Utility companies come together to make Big Stone II power plant a reality

PIERRE, S.D. – Leaders from seven utility companies joined Gov. Mike Rounds today to make history as they announced construction of a new electric generating plant on the site of Big Stone Plant near Milbank. The estimated $1 billion project will be the largest private and public capital investment ever made in South Dakota.

“Today you are making history in helping to build our economy,” the Governor told representatives from the seven power companies.  Those companies include:  Otter Tail Power Company, Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Great River Energy, Heartland Consumers Power District, Missouri River Energy Services, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.

The Governor noted when the people of South Dakota set the goals of the 2010 Initiative, energy was definitely a priority. “We’ve heard time and again that we need to become a net exporter of energy. This new facility will definitely help us do that,” Gov. Rounds said.

Utility officials said the construction of the plant is contingent on the approval of all necessary permits. “The tentative goal is to start construction in the spring of 2007 and have the plant operational by the spring of 2011,” Gov. Rounds said. “The new facility will create 30-40 full-time jobs when it is complete. Construction will result in an average of 625 workers, with a peak of 1,500 during the four-year construction period.”

Governor Rounds commended the utility companies for coming together to make this project a reality.  “Not only is the capital investment for this project impressive, but the cooperation between the utility companies has been outstanding.  This is a perfect example of what is possible when people who believe in big things for South Dakota come together and work toward that goal,” Gov. Rounds concluded.