Judge orders release of power plant documents

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Mar 15, 2010 at 6:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 15, 2010 at 9:56 PM MST

GREAT FALLS - A state judge has denied an appeal by a power plant developer asking that documents detailing the financial relationship between the city and the developer be kept secret.

District Judge Wayne Phillips first ordered the release of the documents last week, saying Montanans have a constitutional right to view documents of their governmental agencies. Southern Montana Electric Generation & Transmission appealed, saying releasing the information would cause "irreparable and prejudicial harm."

On Monday, Phillips dismissed that claim, saying SME made "patently absurd claims of privilege" in seeking to keep secret two boxes of papers.

The city on Monday released three boxes of documents, which the Montana Environmental Informational Center is reviewing. The Helena-based organization filed a lawsuit three years ago seeking information about the city's stake in the proposed Highwood Generation Station planned near Great Falls.

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