MEA Board approves limited notice to proceed

Matanuska Electric Association’s  board of directors recently approved the ‘limited notice to proceed’ with a natural gas fired power plant near Eklutna.

Two years ago, MEA signed an agreement with Eklutna Native Corporation for 70 acres of land located northeast of the Glenn Highway.  That fall, they solicited bids for a contract to build a plant.

The plan is tentatively to build a 180-megawatt natural gas generation plant and facilities.  The size may change as research continues.

The contract is $565,000 agreement with CH2M-Hill, formerly known as VECO.  It starts the preliminary design, site layout and analysis.  The board approved a contract with RW Beck and Associates as well.

MEA has until July 1^st of this year to apply for an air quality permit.

MEA’s power purchase agreement with Chugach Electric Association expires at the end of 2014.