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 at 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.
But Lenss said he still has reservations.
The airport is spending nearly $70,000 on a study exploring the potential impacts the utility plant could have on airport operations.
“I think we would be better off from an airport perspective to spend that 70,000 dollars working collaboratively with Alliant to find a site that has no negative impact to the airport,” said Lenss.
Alliant said it has two other potential sites for the plant, but representatives said they’re not disclosing where those locations are because it could impact the cost of the land.
Airport leaders said they found out about this possible plant in June.
“We feel blindsided by this. You know, you talk about collaboration and communication. It doesn’t feel like that from our side,” said Barry Boyer, CID Airport Commission Chairman. “I feel like you checked us against the glass on this deal, and that’s not the way partners treat each other.”
But those with Alliant said they’re open to discussing those other sites.
“We understand your concerns, and we’re listening. We’ve indicated that we’re open to having additional discussions with you,” said Dave Herkert, Alliant Assistant Vice President of Strategic Projects.
While many voiced their frustrations and concerns about the possible plant, the building administrator for the City of Fairfax disagreed.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Fairfax for economic development. I don’t think you guys are considering us in this,” said Chris Philipp, Fairfax Building Administrator.
However, Fairfax’s mayor said the city doesn’t lean one way or the other just yet.
“I want to be very clear that Fairfax is not yet positioned to offer an opinion on the project,” said Jo Ann Beer, Fairfax mayor.
For now, stakeholders said it’s all about continuing discussions to try and find a solution.
Alliant declined to speak with TV9 at the meeting.
However, it did provide a statement to TV9 on 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."