ANALYSIS
Ida-West Energy, an independent power producer and affiliate of Idaho Power Company, was charged with siting and permitting a 250-megawatt, natural gas turbine energy facility in southwestern Idaho. The facility, due to transmission constraints, had to be sited near Idaho Power’s load center, which is just west of Meridian, Idaho, an area in transition from agricultural to more residential uses.

A full array of permits was required, including local land use approval from the county and water rights and air quality permits from the state. Considerable local opposition developed to the preferred location near the small community of Middleton. Nearby neighbors, particularly, adopted a strong NIMBY attitude.

ADVOCACY
We created a strategic public affairs and communications plan designed to develop and demonstrate extensive public support, while supporting the company’s effort to proactively deal with a huge range of specific issues — air quality, noise, transportation, energy costs, natural gas supplies and even the charge that the area was a Native American burial ground.

Gallatin managed every aspect of public affairs and communications, including development of a videotape, dozens of news releases, Op-Ed columns, paid advertising, and community and governmental agency presentations. We also advised on community relations including securing the joint endorsement, for the first time ever, of chambers of commerce in Boise, Meridian, Caldwell and Nampa.

ADVANTAGE
The Canyon County Commission unanimously approved the project early in 2002, subsequent appeals were denied, and every permit needed for construction was secured.


“Our challenge was to manage a major facility siting process. The Gallatin Group developed the plan and managed every aspect of the communications and public affairs. We gained the needed community support and every approval necessary for the project.”
Randy Hill, President and CEO
Ida-West Energy Company
Boise, Idaho