Norris speaks against carbon pipeline at supervisors

Area resident Jan Norris is once again speaking out against efforts she believes are being taken to influence the carbon pipeline project in Montgomery County.
Norris spoke during the regular meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors on June 21. Norris urged the supervisors to be aware of action the company is taking that she believes is intended to curry favor.
“Summit continues to shower money on Iowa hoping to buy its influence. They are coming out to counties with inflated and misleading information and numbers, and I urge you to do your research before they come to Montgomery County,” Norris said.
Norris also stressed that a large number of counties in the path of the project continue to push back on the proposal.
“More than 60 percent of the counties on the pipeline route have filed official objections with the Iowa Utilities Board, and there are webinars available from experts in the field helping affected counties and municipalities know more about what these projects are, and the potential dangers and concerns you should be aware of,” explained Norris.
Norris also suggested that Montgomery County take the same steps as other Iowa counties to protect itself.
“Other counties have passed ordinances, and I urge you to check into how Montgomery County could possibly do the same,” commented Norris.
Norris said they are working on coordinating another public meeting for affected landowners and the public in general to provide further education.
“I just wanted to keep this on the radar because more discussion on the pipeline is coming to our county soon. I have access to resources and I’m always available for questions, and my goal is for the county to have the best possible outcome in the situation,” Norris said.
On March 29, the supervisors met with representatives from L.T. Leon Associates, the first engineering firm that offered a proposal for pipeline inspection services. The supervisors took no action on the proposal,  as it was undetermined who would pay for the services if the pipeline failed to come to fruition.
With Norris’ comments in mind, Supervisor Mike Olson asked if it was time for the board to once again look at engineering assistance as things went forward.
“The question is whether to hire a firm before the project gets approval, or afterwards,” Olson commented.
Supervisor Donna Robinson said that while the county didn’t necessarily need to officially hire anyone for inspection services, they could take other steps to ensure something was in place.
“After discussing the situation with other counties, I feel we need to have a letter of intent with whatever firm we decide to go with. We looked at L.T. Leon out of Des Moines, and I think Snyder & Associates of Atlantic also are offering services, and they may be more in our neighborhood,” stated Robinson.
Olson felt the supervisors needed to have something lined up sooner rather than later, so if the pipeline was approved, the county was prepared.
No further action was taken.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

Comment Here