Trident Solar Project in South Broadwater County Still in Process
 | Author:
Nancy Marks, Reporter
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Trident Solar Project in South Broadwater County Still in Process
Nancy Marks
Reporter
Adam Schumaker, Gallatin Power Company of Bozeman, presented a request for an extension to the Trident Solar project in South Broadwater County at a December 13 County Commissioners meeting. The extension continues until 2027. Commissioners approved the request based on Schumaker’s update which included an agreement between Northwestern Energy and Trident Solar to agree to a 20-year contract to buy Trident Solar’s energy beginning in 2027. The project will not begin construction until 2025 or 2026 at which time the abatement timeline of 2027 will take effect.
Schumaker began the project in 2022. A January 22, 2022 meeting held at Wheat Montana showcased the project to the public. Broadwater County commissioners originally approved the abatement after a September 12, 2022, public meeting.
By statute, the county may use the abatement vehicle to further economic growth. The abatement or lowering of taxes through the Montana Department of Revenue allowed Trident Solar to negotiate a good rate for its electric power. Trident Solar will pay $ 13 million in the first 10 years, then $ 43 million over the next 35 years. Trident Solar 1, LLC, is owned by Gallatin Power Partners.
In other county business, Broadwater County Sheriff Nick Rauser asked for a budget amendment to fund a School Resource Officer position in his department. Funding at $49,100 will come from Rauser’s budget and the Public Safety Fund. The new officer will work 4 days a week, then be on regular patrol until summer when the officer will work in South Broadwater County. In-kind services from Townsend Schools will include an office. Interviews will begin after January 1, 2024. The amendment was approved.
The Montana Linemans’ rodeo group gained permission to use the Broadwater County Fairgrounds for their rodeo on July 19 and 20 of next year.
The Toston Irrigation District Pump Site floodplain permit was approved. The pump, which moves water from the Missouri River to irrigation sites in the Crow Creek Valley, is located north of the Toston Dam.
Commissioners are calling for members of the public to serve on the Solid Waste Board. Commissioner Randolph explained they would like to fill the two open seats in the next three weeks. Letter of interest may be sent to the commissioners’ emails. “We would appreciate it if applicants would include their experience and reason they might be interested in the position,” she said.
Commissioners signed a resolution to approve a contract to publish county legal advertising in MT 43 News for a period of two years, through 2025.
The Western Trails Major Subdivision Phase 3 final plat approval was postponed.
