Concerns are rising among Cedar Rapids airport commission members regarding a potential gas-fired power plant that Alliant Energy plans to construct near Fairfax. Although the project details remain under wraps, the proximity to the airport has prompted significant alarm among the commission members.
Airport director Marty Lenss revealed that the airport officials were first informed of Alliant Energy’s interest in this location on June 18. The proposed site is situated close to the Travero facility and data centers, raising questions about potential operational impacts on the airport.
In light of these concerns, the commission has hired Foth Infrastructure & Environment to conduct a study analyzing the potential effects of the power plant. They are eager to hold a meeting with Alliant Energy to clarify details and voice their apprehensions. Barry Boyer, the airport commission chairman, expressed a sense of urgency, stating, “This feels like a red line to me.”
While Alliant Energy mentioned other potential sites for the facility, Lenss noted that those options seem unlikely to be pursued. The tight timeline for the project means that conducting thorough impact studies independently would be challenging. Lenss emphasized the importance of involving experts for an adequate assessment, particularly given the facility’s long-term implications for airport operations.
The proposed power plant site is just four miles from the main runway and even closer to the secondary and future runways, prompting Lenss to point out the implications of the site’s proximity. He indicated that if the power plant were already established, the airport would not have been situated in its current location.
Alliant Energy seeks to present its proposal to the Iowa Utilities Commission as early as October, making timely studies crucial for assessing potential conflicts.
In a related note, the airport commission has also approved a lease amendment to include an additional 86 acres of land, bringing their total leased land to 226 acres. This expansion is expected to generate approximately $1.9 million in annual revenue for the airport.
This development raises critical questions about balancing energy needs with airport safety and operations, underscoring the importance of community dialogue about future infrastructure projects. Continued engagement and transparency from Alliant Energy and the airport commission will be key in addressing concerns and fostering collaboration for sustainable growth.