Speeches

Remarks by Governor Judy Martz
Reopening of Bull Mountain Mine
Roundup, Montana
October 1, 2001

Check Against Delivery

Thank you for the invitation to be here today.

I am excited and honored to join you as the State of Montana moves forward in partnership with the community of Roundup, Bull Mountain Land Company, and BMP Investments to reopen the Roundup Mine in the Bull Mountains.

This is an incredible development for the economy of Montana, and especially for the citizens of Musselshell County.

In this day and age, and in light of the tragic events of September 11, we as a nation must look internally for opportunities to supply our own natural resources. Montana is a natural resource state with incredible potential to supply food, fiber, and mineral resources throughout America and the world.

The reopening of the Bull Mountain Mine is a great opportunity for Montana to serve the nation through its natural resource base.

I want to thank Senator Burns and Congressman Rehberg for joining me today in this monumental announcement. And I want to thank all of you for being here today as well - to celebrate this incredible economic opportunity for Roundup, and for the entire state of Montana.

Our society has an increasing appetite for energy. With the increase in computer usage, air conditioning, microwaves and all the amenities in life we enjoy, is it really a surprise that energy consumption has increased?

And while our appetite for energy has increased, we have done very little to meet our increased demands. California for example, until recently, hadn't built a major power generating plant in many years, despite large annual increases in energy demand.

While the nation searches to meet its power needs and Montana seeks economic growth, we need to recognize that we hold an important key to both challenges.

Montana has abundant sources of clean, high quality coal.

The technology is available to remove that coal and turn it into the source that fuels our economy. And we can do it while protecting the environment we enjoy.

This opportunity starts right here in Roundup, Montana. The Roundup Mine in the Bull Mountains has a proven 400 million ton coal reserve with another 350 million tons of probable reserves. This is a proven 40-year supply of coal.

Not only is the supply stable, but the coal is a 'clean coal' that boasts low-sulfur and high BTUs, two very desirable characteristics of quality coal. The low sulfur content of the coal is completely in compliance with the Clean Air Act.

In addition, the mine will implement several state-of-the-art technologies to ensure high-level production while maintaining a quality environment.

And why is the reopening of this mine important? To provide Montana and the surrounding areas with a new, clean natural resource to allow low-cost generation of energy supply. To reduce and stabilize skyrocketing power prices. And to accomplish this while greatly enhancing Montana's economy with hundreds of millions of dollars of expenditures in developing and operating the mine, including the addition of hundreds of new high-paying jobs. (pause)

I am especially excited to have an opportunity to announce the other component of this operation. This component will have a ripple effect throughout eastern Montana, providing a tremendous infusion of money into our state's rural communities.

I am proud and excited to announce the development of a power generating plant - right here in Roundup. This 700-megawatt plant will be comprised of two 350-megawatt units, burning low sulfur coal.

The positive effect of this project is what the developers are calling Montana's "Rebirth-Roundup". It is a perfect name for an effort that will bring new life and long-lasting strength to local communities throughout eastern Montana.

The plant itself will be built using the latest technologies to control emissions. It will feature air-cooled condensers to minimize water use.

This plant will provide Montana and the surrounding electricity market with a low-cost, stable supply of electricity in the face of fluctuating prices.

Coal will be directly supplied from the Bull Mountain Mine. The plant will utilize about 2.7 million tons of coal per year.

payroll of 9 million dollars. The annual economic impact of this plant is expected to be 45 million dollars - that's 45 million dollars of direct economic benefit to Musselshell and Yellowstone counties.

What an incredible opportunity for the people of Roundup and for the State of Montana.

I want you to know that an investment of more than 800 million dollars will be made to construct the plant. Not only that, but in its initial construction, the plant will employ 800 construction personnel.

The community of Roundup is an example for the state. Thank you for being leaders.

This mine and the power plant combined will provide high paying jobs for local residents. And it will provide opportunities for other, compatible economic development in the area.

The mine itself will produce more than 250 new jobs. This is a combined total of 400 new jobs for the community of Roundup. The salaried employees will earn between $30,000 and $100,000. Hourly workers can expect to earn an average of over 18 dollars per hour. These are solid jobs with a strong company, who understands the importance of taking care of those who are employed at the mine.

Let me also acknowledge Representative Alan Olson and Senator Mack Cole for their efforts on this proposal.

I'm sure most of you know Alan and Mack, and let me just say that these two men have been tenacious on this proposal. They have been crucial in getting the project to this point, and I am not sure that, without their help and their commitment from a legislative standpoint it would have progressed to this point. They do a tremendous job of representing the people of this area, and are powerful voices in our state's Capitol.

This proposal has been an effort that has been moved by a whole team of people. It has taken a lot of heavy lifting and there is a lot of heavy lifting yet to do. But with people like County Commissioner Kelly Gebhart, Musselshell Business Development Director Monty Seely and Roundup Mayor Almeda Moore, the heavy lifting will produce positive benefits for the community of Roundup. Thank you for your dedication to the people you serve. (pause)

And to those of you who will run this company - to Bull Mountain Development Company and Bull Mountain Land Company - I want you to know -- Montana has a work force that is educated, skilled, and ready to go to work.

As Governor, I am committed to working with investors and those interested in putting our coal and our people to work.

And today, we have the people who are prepared to put our people to work, add value to our coal, and help fuel a nation. To each of you, who have dedicated your time, interest and resources in Montana, let me say thank you for choosing Montana.

I keep saying that "Montana is open for business". Thank you for choosing to hang your 'open for business' sign in Montana.

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