Taking advantage of newly granted borrowing authority, the Western Area Power Administration has dusted off plans for a U.S.-Canada intertie and is close to an agreement with a private developer to take a stake in a $213-million project to wheel up to 300 MW between Montana and Alberta. Power is to be generated from wind farms, some still to be constructed, in and around Cut Bank, Mont.
WAPA moved quickly to find money and a developer by authority granted under Section 402 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Tonbridge Power Inc., Toronto, will invest $161 million in a public-private partnership, expected to close in time for an 18-month project to begin before year’s end. The 214-mile, 230-kV line will connect Great Falls, Mont., and Lethbridge, Alberta.