Groundbreaking held for Columbia Power Center project

Groundbreaking was held today for an for an emissions control project at the Columbia Energy Center, a coal-powered power station co-owned by Alliant Energy Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, and Wisconsin Public Service.

The groundbreaking, attended by Gov. Scott Walker, begins a project that at its peak will put 600 people to work at a projected cost of $625 million. It involves the installation of two pollution scrubbers, and Wisconsin contractors and suppliers will provide materials and products. They include Merrill Iron and Steel in Schofield, which will provide structural steel.  

The upgrade is designed to reduce the station’s mercury and sulfur dioxide emissions by 90%. The facility is located just south of Portage in the Columbia County town of Dekorra.