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Boone County Board Approves Permit For Natural Gas Peaker Plant

freesignprinter.com

Boone County’s board approved a special use permit for a natural gas peaker plant in Garden Prairie near Belvidere.

Member Cathy Ward says they voted 8-4 in favor, and they believe the plant near Belvidere would bring up to $900,000 to the area. Most of this money would go to Belvidere schools, and about $100,000 would go to the county directly.

Supporters of the plant cited a need for more tax revenue and jobs, while opponents  were concerned about water usage, excessive noise, and devaluation of local property.  

A peaker plant is designed to provide extra electricity on short notice when demand outpaces what base load power plants can provide.