MPCA to release funding for study

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is set to release $400,000 for a plasma gasification feasibility study to the Koochiching Economic Development Authority.
The MPCA did not immediately return phone calls.
The funding, appropriated by the Legislature, is to move through the MPCA before going to KEDA.
Questions were raised by local leaders at a Sept. 11 Koochiching Development Authority meeting regarding the funding. The MPCA had not replied to requests for answers about the funding.
The MPCA is requesting a proposed work plan from the engineering firm selected to do the work in order to finalize the agreement about, according to a Sept. 13 letter from MPCA Commissioner Brad Moore.
Three engineering firms submitted proposals for the completion of the feasibility study. A selection from the three firms is expected to be made Tuesday.
John Howard, of the consulting firm Coronal, recommended the county not provide money for the study while waiting to hear from the MPCA.