Montana I-145 (2002)
From Ballotpedia
Montana I-145 was on the November 7, 2002 election ballot in Montana. It was defeated, with 31.9% of voters in favor. It was an initiative.
Text of the proposal
The language that appeared on the ballot:
This initiative creates an elected public power commission to determine whether purchasing hydroelectric dams in Montana is in the public interest and repeals the Montana Power Authority created by the 2001 legislature. The commission could negotiate to purchase the dams or, if necessary, use the power of condemnation to acquire the dams at fair market value. To pay for the dams, the state could issue $500 million in bonds to be repaid by the sale of generated electricity. Montana’s small consumers would get priority to purchase the electricity. The commission also may invest in renewable energy and conservation projects.
Costs for assessing if acquisition of one or more hydroelectric facilities is in the public interest could be from $6 to $12 million. Purchase price and other costs are undeterminable now.
