Cascade County is being sued for the second time for its decision to rezone land where the Highwood Coal Pant would be built.

The lawsuit was filed by 61 farmers, ranchers, land owners and the Montana Environmental Information Center. They contend the county did not follow its own regulations and state law when it rezoned 668 acres from agricultural to heavy industrial.

The Environmental Center contends the zoning applicants filed lots of last minute documents. They argue those documents had errors and the public never had a chance to review or comment on them.

The first time Cascade County rezoned the property it was also sued. The county reversed the zoning and changed its regulations, allowing the land owners to reapply.

 

There's now word on just who will represent the City of Great Falls in the planning of the Highwood Generating Station.

The city and five electric cooperatives formed Southern Montana Electric to build the plant, and until recently, the city manager and the fiscal services director handled the city's involvement.

But at a Wednesday meeting, the new city manager expressed concern about taking on the responsibility of representing the city.

Greg Doyon told commissioners that dealing with the coal plant would be a huge time commitment as he learns the operations of the city. He also expressed concern about the time other city staff was spending on the project.

Many commissioners agreed that he should not get burned out, but suggested he start learning about the plant which is to be built east of Great Falls and also attend SME meetings. After that, Doyon could decide if the time commitment would be too much.

They also acknowledged that previous city manager John Lawton already knew the city operations when he started dealing with the coal plant.

The development of the plant is currently hinging on finding some $800 million in funding.

- Matt Austin reporting from KRTV in Great Falls