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Debate continues over power plant
Group against COB Energy Facility criticizes Klamath County commissioners
By BROOK REINHARD
County commissioners had a lively debate Tuesday with two anti-power plant advocates on the subject of the COB Energy Facility, a 1,130-megawatt plant proposed a few miles southeast of Bonanza.
COB project manager Rob Trotta submitted an amendment Friday that changes the proposal from a plant using millions of gallons of water a day to an air-cooled plant that cuts water use by 97 percent. Trotta has credited Klamath County Commissioner Al Switzer in his decision to go air cooled.
Lyn Brock, a member of anti-power plant group Save Our Rural Oregon, said commissioners had missed their chance to give input on the project when they failed to form an advisory board before the proper deadline.
"We need you guys to represent us - not Rob Trotta," she charged.
Switzer and Commissioner John Elliott said they took offense at Brock's statement, adding they are responsible for the whole county.
"I am going to give you a quote and you can take it back to your group," Switzer said. "I do not represent Rob Trotta, I represent every person in Klamath County."
SORO member Ron Kampwerth said he wasn't against power plants, he just didn't want one in an agricultural area near his own backyard.
"We'd love to see that power plant in Klamath Falls, in an industrial area," he said.
Elliott then scolded Kampwerth, saying that while no one wants a power plant in his or her backyard, sometimes sacrifice is necessary for growth.
Commissioner Steve West, meanwhile, tried to stay above the fray, maintaining throughout the whole discussion that he is against the power plant and has been for several months now.
In other business at their Tuesday meeting, commissioners:
n Approved a resolution allowing the Klamath County Mental Health Department to issue a request for proposal for Child Mental Health Initiative cooperative agreements, circumventing the normal competitive bidding process. Money spent on the partnership will not exceed $1 million.
n Approved a State Cultural Trust grant of $4,457 in state money, to be used by the Klamath County Museum in identifying cultural resources in the community.
n Adopted a resolution for a request for proposal process that will develop a Healthy Start Program for 2003-05, circumventing the normal competitive bidding process. The program will use about $300,000 in state funds, and is affiliated with the Commission on Children and Families.
n Awarded a $28,665 contract with Abba Electric and Controls to install controls for a mechanical system to be used in the Juvenile Detention Addition of the Klamath County Juvenile Department.
By BROOK REINHARD
County commissioners had a lively debate Tuesday with two anti-power plant advocates on the subject of the COB Energy Facility, a 1,130-megawatt plant proposed a few miles southeast of Bonanza.
COB project manager Rob Trotta submitted an amendment Friday that changes the proposal from a plant using millions of gallons of water a day to an air-cooled plant that cuts water use by 97 percent. Trotta has credited Klamath County Commissioner Al Switzer in his decision to go air cooled.
Lyn Brock, a member of anti-power plant group Save Our Rural Oregon, said commissioners had missed their chance to give input on the project when they failed to form an advisory board before the proper deadline.
"We need you guys to represent us - not Rob Trotta," she charged.
Switzer and Commissioner John Elliott said they took offense at Brock's statement, adding they are responsible for the whole county.
"I am going to give you a quote and you can take it back to your group," Switzer said. "I do not represent Rob Trotta, I represent every person in Klamath County."
SORO member Ron Kampwerth said he wasn't against power plants, he just didn't want one in an agricultural area near his own backyard.
"We'd love to see that power plant in Klamath Falls, in an industrial area," he said.
Elliott then scolded Kampwerth, saying that while no one wants a power plant in his or her backyard, sometimes sacrifice is necessary for growth.
Commissioner Steve West, meanwhile, tried to stay above the fray, maintaining throughout the whole discussion that he is against the power plant and has been for several months now.
In other business at their Tuesday meeting, commissioners:
n Approved a resolution allowing the Klamath County Mental Health Department to issue a request for proposal for Child Mental Health Initiative cooperative agreements, circumventing the normal competitive bidding process. Money spent on the partnership will not exceed $1 million.
n Approved a State Cultural Trust grant of $4,457 in state money, to be used by the Klamath County Museum in identifying cultural resources in the community.
n Adopted a resolution for a request for proposal process that will develop a Healthy Start Program for 2003-05, circumventing the normal competitive bidding process. The program will use about $300,000 in state funds, and is affiliated with the Commission on Children and Families.
n Awarded a $28,665 contract with Abba Electric and Controls to install controls for a mechanical system to be used in the Juvenile Detention Addition of the Klamath County Juvenile Department.
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