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.