Article published Mar 11, 2008

County approves zone change on 2-1 vote

As expected, Cascade County commissioners Tuesday voted 2-1 to approve an industrial zone change on property where the Highwood Generating Station would be built.

Republican Commissioners Joe Briggs and Lance Olson voted in favor of the zone change from A-2 agricultural use to a heavy industrial category. Democratic Commissioner Peggy Beltrone voted no.

The fate of the $720 million coal-fired power plant project remains uncertain because the facility lacks financing. Developers said they are working to obtain private financing after the federal Rural Utilities Service declined to give the project a low-interest federal loan.

A spokeswoman for plant opponents declined to say exactly what the opposition's next move will be.

For more on Tuesday's County Commission action, see Wednesday's Great Falls Tribune in print or online.