MidAmerican plant project in CB... largest in Iowa history

[eomaha]

At it's peak in August 2005... MidAmerican's power plant project in Council Bluffs will employ 1,000 workers. When completed... the $1.2 billion power plant will be the largest in the state of Iowa.

World Herald story: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=46

[sokkerdewd]

If anyone can make an educated guess...feel free: Are these good jobs? I know the construction ones are...especially since they're unionized, but what about the run-of-the-mill plant jobs once it opens?

[eomaha]

I think the big story is the construction jobs over the next few years (and they'll certainly have a positive impact on the metro economy). When the plant opens, I don't believe it will even employ much more than 100 people.

[Brad]

MidAmerican dedicates new plant

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1 ... d=10101539

COUNCIL BLUFFS — MidAmerican Energy honored an Omaha businessman at the celebration of its new coal-fueled power plant in Council Bluffs this morning.

About 500 people gathered at the new plant, the Walter Scott Jr. Energy Center Unit 4, to observe the $1.2 billion project, which was more than four years in the making.

[icejammer]

MidAmerican opens new energy center

The celebration of MidAmerican Energy's new Walter Scott Jr. Energy Center-Unit 4 facility, on Tuesday, brought together many Iowa dignitaries, including Gov. Chet Culver and U.S. Rep. Steve King R-Iowa, along with Council Bluffs City Council members, Pottawattamie County Supervisors and many Council Bluffs businessmen. . . .

"Unit 4 is the largest construction project undertaken in Nebraska and Iowa, we've added 323 wind turbines and by the end of 2008, we'll have more than 1,000 megawatts of wind turbines in the state," said Greg Abel, president of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.

The plant generates enough electricity to power 650,000 homes and businesses. . . .

The facility is expected to employ 207 people with an annual payroll of $17.5 million. . . .