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Work Progressing on Local Energy Plants by Janine Manny The Daily News, March 3, 2006

CLATSKANIE -- Portland Geneler Electric's new natural gas power plant at Port Westward is one-third of the way completed, according to Port of St. Helens Commissioner Robert Keyser.

Keyser told the Clatskanie City Council Wednesday that the $300 million plant will have its first test firing in November and be online by May of 2007.

Keyser also told the council that the Cascade Grain project will soon break ground.

"Cascade Grain president Chuck Carlson expects a notice to proceed within the next 60 days," Keyser said,

Keyser said the $126 million ethanol plant --- previous cost estimates reached as high as $230 million -- should be completed in about 18 months, and provide 85 jobs. The plant will extract ethanol from corn for use as gasoline additive.

The new start date received chuckles from the council and audience, because the company has announced breaking ground several times in the past.

Keyser also told the council that the Port of St. Helens was considering hiring a consultant to manage Port Westward more efficiently.

And although at least one investor has backed out of the Port Westward LNG project, the plan is not dead, according to Keyser.

"Everyone is working diligently to see if there is deal," Keyser said. "The landowners are talking and the investors are talking."