NEWS UPDATE: 06/27/2007
Industrial Commission continues funding for Gascoyne site
The North Dakota Industrial Commission today authorized continued funding of $10 million to Westmoreland Power, Inc. for a 500-megawatt power plant near Gascoyne, after the other partner withdrew from the project.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. had told the commission it was unable to commit to develop a generation project at the Gascoyne site by any certain date.
“Westmoreland Power has indicated that they remain committed to building a new power plant near Gascoyne,” said Gov. John Hoeven. “Through the Lignite Vision 21 Program we will continue our support to build a power plant in North Dakota that will provide low-cost energy in an environmentally sound manner for our citizens and surrounding states.”
“Westmoreland’s desire to continue developing the Gascoyne site is to be commended,” said Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. “This location has many attributes that are important to the construction of a power plant—a plentiful supply of lignite, close proximity to oil fields which may offer opportunities for enhanced oil recovery, and a desire by the state to provide high-paying jobs for our citizens.”
“The Industrial Commission, through the Lignite Vision 21 Program, remains committed to the development of a power plant site in North Dakota that utilizes the best clean-coal technology available,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “Westmoreland’s desire to continue working with the commission in the development of this site is exciting for southwestern North Dakota as well as the entire state.”
“We look forward to taking on the sole leadership role on this power plant project at Gascoyne.” said Bob Holzwarth, Senior Vice President for Westmoreland Power Inc. “This is an excellent site with vast lignite resources. We appreciate the cooperation we have received from state officials as we work to provide power for the region.”
MDU said it remains committed to the Gascoyne area for future development.
Andrea Stomberg, MDU’s vice president of electric supply, wrote the commission saying, “MDU continues to have an interest in developing power generation facilities in North Dakota and will be seeking projects within the State as we have the opportunity.”The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor John Hoeven, as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, oversees the North Dakota Transmission Authority.
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Lignite Vision 21 Program Web Site
(What is the Lignite Vision 21 Program?)
(State of North Dakota's Involvement)
Lignite Energy Council Web Site