Proposed Coal Plant Becomes Political

MONTANA, Nov 19 (Neo Natura) - A new Coal Power Plant is proposed to be built eight miles east of Great Falls, Montana in conjunction with five rural electric cooperatives. The "Highwood Generating Station [pdf]" is proposed to come online in 2012.

A meeting to discuss concerns about the coal-fired plant occurs today at 10 a.m. in the courtroom of the Chouteau County Courthouse in Fort Benton.

Residents looking for a definitive vote by the public on the proposed coal-fired Highwood Generating Station may have been disappointed by the November 6th municipal government election in Great Falls.

Coal-plant critics were hoping to sweep three races, which would have given them a majority on Great Falls' five-member City Commission. Coal-plant supporters were hoping for a sweep by candidates in favor of the plant.

Instead, voters split their votes, defeating incumbent City Commissioner Diane Jovick-Kuntz, but apparently granting Mayor Dona Stebbins another term in a tight race against second-place finisher Ed McKnight.

Winning two City Commission seats were Mary Jolley, who has been skeptical of the coal plant, and Bill Bronson, an attorney who strongly supports the plant.

A majority of the City Commission will remain in favor of the power plant.