Benton Co., Iowa (KCRG) – Benton County, the city of Atkins and the city of Fairfax have filed petitions to intervene in Alliant Energy’s proposal to build a natural gas power plant near the Linn-Benton County line, saying the scope of the project would have too great an impact on surrounding communities to exclude them from the process.
Alliant Energy is proposing the Morgan Valley Energy Center, a 720-megawatt natural gas power plant that would cover approximately 160 acres. Because the project is located in Linn County, Linn County and the state have final say over the proposal. Surrounding communities outside Linn County do not have a formal role in the process.
Communities seek a voice
Lonnie Jacobson, a Benton County resident, said he moved from Cedar Rapids to the country 32 years ago to enjoy the outdoors and get away from large industrial buildings. He said the proposed plant would be within eyeshot of his home.
“I believe their facility should be kept in an industrial park, not out in rural areas where they are taking prime farm grounds,” Jacobson said…