Council OKs Alliant expansion
MILTON — After a month of heated debate, the Milton City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to allow Alliant Energy to expand its substation.
Alliant and American Transmission Company asked to buy 2 acres of land to expand the substation near High and Elm streets. Alliant has said the expansion is necessary to maintain reliable service in Milton and prepare for future growth.
But John Arndt, owner of the nearby Milton Propane, said last month he wanted part of the land for a rail spur.
Alliant and Arndt were unable to reach a compromise. The city council approved the Alliant plan but reiterated its commitment to help Arndt install a rail spur when he's ready, Mayor Tom Chesmore said.
Arndt was not at Tuesday's meeting, but a substation neighbor, Kevin Shull, asked the council to delay voting on the plan for another two weeks. Kevin and his wife, Ginni, have objected to the substation plan because they are concerned about health risks.
But Chesmore is tired of delay, he said. The project originally came before the council for a vote April 21.
"It's a vital, vital project for the city, and I really look forward to it getting done," he said.
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