Aventine Renewable Energy 10-K 2008 FY Annual report

Exhibit 10.5.3

Via Facsimile and Federal Express Overnight Delivery

March 6, 2009

Mr. Jeff Moery

Vice President

Aventine Renewable Energy – Aurora West, LLC

1300 South 2nd Street

Pekin, IL 61554

Facsimile: (309) 478-1526

Re:	EPC Contract – Aurora West Ethanol Project
	Change Order dated December 31, 2008

Dear Jeff:

On March 3, 2009, Kiewit notified you of Aventine’s default of its payment obligations under the EPC Contract, as modified by the referenced Change Order.  As of today’s date, Aventine has failed to cure this default.

By this letter, Kiewit notifies you of its termination of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Services Fixed Price Contract between Kiewit Energy Company and Aventine Renewable Energy – Aurora West, LLC dated May 31, 2007.  The termination is effective March 6, 2009.

Nothing in this letter is intended to waive any right or remedy Kiewit Energy Company may have.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss the matter further.

Sincerely,

/s/ Mike Casey

Mike Casey

Vice President

cc:	Brad Kaufman
	Elizabeth Gage

KIEWIT ENERGY GROUP

7906 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77064

(281) 517-8900           (281) 517-8906 fax