A request to annex and rezone land for a controversial coal-fired power plant has been approved for the second time in a year. The Waterloo Planning, Programming, and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday night to recommend approval of both requests to the city council after a four-hour public hearing.
L-S Power wants to build the 750-megawatt Elk Run Energy Station near Waterloo’s northeast Industrial Park, a proposal that’s dividing the community. The company is asking the city to annex and rezone a 260-acre parcel of land. It’s the second go-around on the company’s request.
Last April, the commission agreed to recommend both parts of the request and sent the recommendation to the city council for approval. Council members gave their approval last May, but the annexation was later rejected by the state’s City Development Board. L-S Power is appealing that decision.
Last month, the company filed amended requests with the city in hopes of getting around the state board. Next, it’s the Waterloo City Council’s turn to take up the issue a second time.