The Rocky Gas Co-op will receive a $2.7 million grant from Clearwater County to complete the Nordegg Gasification project— but will no longer be required to use the infrastructure in the ground as collateral.
94.5 Rewind Radio News reported on May 14 that Rocky Gas Co-op would receive the funds necessary to complete the project, contingent on providing default security for the project.
However, at its June 10 meeting, Councillor Daryl Lougheed read a resolution coming out of closed session:
“I move that we direct staff to enter into an agreement between Clearwater County and Rocky Gas Co-op Ltd. removing default security as a condition for a $2.7 million grant associated with Nordegg Gasification Project,” said Lougheed.
Although she couldn’t go into detail, in a recent interview with 94.5 Rewind Radio News, Reeve Michelle Swanson say council was “satisfied” with information provided from Rocky Gas Co-op to address concerns.
She adds, the project will likely move quickly, with pressure testing on the line already underway, and critical equipment to begin connecting customers arriving in Q3.
“This is a unique collaboration between Clearwater County and Rocky Gas Co-op,” says Swanson. “We’re demonstrating that safety, and a sustainable service [is important] for the hamlet of Nordegg.”
Entrance to the Stolberg Plant, east of Nordegg. (Google Maps)
Currently residents rely on heat from other sources such as electricity and propane— a gas that officials say could be highly volatile in the event of a forest fire.
The original request for default security came following concerns in May that the county was now the “majority partner” in the project, with a total contribution which now stands at $4.1 million.
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