CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — An official with a company developing a facility to turn coal into gasoline and other fuels near Medicine Bow says he's once again optimistic the project could get a federal loan.

The Energy Department has been considering an application by DKRW Advanced Fuels for a $1.75 billion loan guarantee. Company officials say they'd largely given up on the federal financing after the review process stalled.

Now, DKRW Executive Vice President Wade Cline says talks between the company and Energy Department have resumed since Ernest Moniz was named energy secretary last spring. A department spokeswoman declined to comment.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the development could be a boost for the $2 billion project. Houston-based DKRW has struggled to obtain financing since it first proposed the plant in 2004.

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