NATCHEZ &8212; The operator of a Port Gibson tire recycling company is interested in placing a biodiesel fuel manufacturing company at the former Riverside Central site.

Yates Construction executive Mark Smith confirmed that company is in talks with Phoenix Eco Inc. Chief Executive officer John Rivera about constructing the facility at the Riverside site.

However, he noted, nothing final has been negotiated and no timeline for construction has been ironed out.

Murray Wikol, president of Michigan-based development firm ProVisions Inc., said he&8217;s in talks to sell the building to Rivera, but nothing was set in stone as of Tuesday afternoon.

ProVisions bought the Riverside Central building from former Natchez mayor and current state transportation director Larry L. &8220;Butch&8221; Brown in November.

&8220;But it&8217;s our policy at ProVisions not to comment on ongoing negotiations,&8221; Wikol said.

Woody Allen, chairman of the Natchez-Adams Economic Development Authority, said he was first contacted by Rivera, of Port Gibson, less than two weeks ago.

&8220;All we know about it, at this point, is the same thing he told (the newspaper),&8221; Allen said.

Allen said he briefed county supervisors about Rivera&8217;s call at Tuesday&8217;s supervisors meeting in executive session.

Rivera is also the CEO of TR America, which operates a facility in Port Gibson.