CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Leaders at the Eastern Iowa Airport are continuing to voice concerns about a possible new Alliant Energy plant.
Alliant is looking to potentially build the plant in the area of 76th Avenue SW near Fairfax, positioning it just a few miles away from the Eastern Iowa Airport’s main runway.
On Tuesday morning, the airport commission held a special meeting with officials from Alliant, wherein commission members and members of the community asked questions about the proposed plant.
Many individuals with the airport voiced concerns about the plant being so close to the runways, especially when it comes to plumes from smoke stacks.
Airport director Marty Lenss said he’s hopeful for more discussions.
“I’m optimistic that we’ll have fruitful conversations about alternative sites. There will be plumes from this facility that will negatively impact the airport,” said Lenss.
“I think there’s a lot more to talk about. But I think if we’re looking for a win-win, I think the alternative site discussion is where that’s located,” he continued.
Alliant would not say where the two alternative sites are located. However, it did provide a statement to TV9 Tuesday.
“We are in the early stages of evaluating potential sites for a combined-cycle natural gas facility in the Cedar Rapids region. To ensure a cost-effective, reliable solution for our customers, we are assessing several locations – including a site currently owned by Alliant Energy in Fairfax.
Additional generation capacity is essential to meet growing energy needs and support the economic growth of the communities we serve. This project reflects our continued commitment to an all-of-the-above energy strategy that meets customer demand while maintaining reliability.
We value the insights shared by the Eastern Iowa Airport and the cities of Cedar Rapids and Fairfax and remain dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for the region.”
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