MEIC and Landowners File Suit over Highwood Plant

In December 2006, MEIC and 47 farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and local farm operations filed suit against Cascade County over the commissioners’ decision to rezone to heavy industrial an agricultural area that contains “farmland of statewide importance” in order to make way for the Highwood Generating Station.

On November 29, 2006, the Cascade County Commission voted 2-1 to approve a rezoning petition for 840 acres of farmland. The purpose of the zone change was to allow the construction of HGS. The rezoning would radically change the agricultural and rural character of the area. The area is near the Missouri River and is located on a portion of Lewis and Clark’s Great Falls Portage National Historic Landmark.

 
Robert Lassila, who owns an organic farm adjacent to the rezoned property, said: “We are disappointed that it has to come to this. We tried to tell the commissioners our concerns, but they didn’t listen. The law requires them to consider how this coal-fired power plant will affect our property and farming operations. The Commission just didn’t do that.”

The suit is pending in State district court in Cascade County.

• Read Complaint and Application for Writ of Mandate and Writ of Review (1.9 MB pdf)
• Read Plaintiffs' Brief in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment (4 MB pdf)

In the News

"Rezoning Approved for Controversial Montana Coal-Plant Site" (Energy Prospects West, February 5, 2008)

Cascade County to make decision on power plant zoning on Jan. 31 (by Great Falls Tribune Staff, originally published January 23, 2008)

Citizens spar over coal-fired power plant rezoning, by RICHARD ECKE, Tribune Staff Writer. 5/16/07