The Sidney Herald

Thiessen Seeks Support For Electric Plant

In a prepared statement, Senator C. R. Thiessen said, that he had sent letters to Governor Donald G. Nutter and all four Montana members of Congress soliciting their support to secure the planned 200 mega-watt electric thermo generation plant here on the vast Eastern Montana lignite coal fields.

Quoting from his letter to Governor Nutter, Senator Thiessen said, "I attended the meetings, called at the request of Governor William Guy, of Lignite Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Cooperative in Bismarck last weekend and am persuaded that it is an opportune time for us in Montana to pave the way and welcome this development within the State. Many residual benefits would accrue to our State's economy such as, a broadened tax base, development of our abundant coal fields, attraction for industry, development of supporting businesses, and increased employment."

"It appears," Thiessen added "that such a plant consumer owned and controlled would demonstrate the initiative of private free enterprise rather than a Missouri Valley Authority. I think it pertinent that our area, with its abundance of water, coal, and existing high voltage transmission, all in close proximity would lend itself to the most economical mine-mouth type of operation, and certainly merits a thorough engineering look."

The following is a copy of the letter Senator Thiessen sent to Governor Nutter as well as to all four of the Montana members of Congress.

January 9, 1962
Lambert, Mont.

Honorable James Battin
United States Representative
House of Representatives
Washington 25, D C

Dear Representative Battin:

I am soliciting your support and cooperation, along with the other Montana members of Congress and Governor Donald G. Nutter, in helping us in Eastern Montana to have Basin Electric Cooperative, or whoever may receive the necessary financing, to establish the 200 mega-watt electric thermo generation plant on the vast lignite fields of Eastern Montana,

I attended the meetings, called at the request of Governor William Guy, of Lignite Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Cooperative in Bismarck last weekend and am persuaded that it is an opportune time for us in Montana to pave the way and welcome this development within our State.

Many residual benefits would accrue to our State's economy, such as, a broadened tax base, development of our abundant coal fields, attraction for industry, development

ment of supporting businesses and
increased employment.

It appears very timely that such
a plant, consumer owned and con-
trolled be constructed to assure
an abundance of lowest possible
source of electric energy, very
nearly competitive with our pre-
sent Missouri Basin hydro-energy

We would very much appreciate
hearing from you and receiving
any support you could give us in
this endeavor.

Sincerely,

C.R. Thiessen