DNRC News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Sexton, Director
Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation
(406) 444-2074
May 29, 2009
Two public hearings scheduled for Otter Creek coal appraisal
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will host public hearings June 29 and 30 to collect written and oral comments on the appraisal for the state-owned Otter Creek coal reserves.
The June 29 hearing will be held in Miles City, Mont., at the Montana Room, located at 614 Main Street. The June 30 hearing will take place in Lame Deer, Mont., at the Lame Deer Elementary School gymnasium, located at 103 West Boundary Street. Both hearings will run from 7 – 9 p.m.
"We're looking forward to gathering public input on the appraisal," said DNRC Director Mary Sexton, who will serve as moderator for the hearings. "Written comments are also encouraged. If people want to comment but can't take the time to speak in person, they can submit written remarks."
DNRC will review and consider all comments, both written and oral, after the end of the 90-day comment period on July 31, Sexton said. Members of the State Board of Land Commissioners, which includes Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, will also review all comments submitted.
The State Board of Land Commissioners in April directed DNRC to begin soliciting public comment on an appraisal assessing the Otter Creek coal reserves, which encompass more than 9,000 acres of School Trust land in southeastern Montana. The appraisal, along with collection of public input, are the first steps toward possible future development of those coal reserves, according to Sexton.
Written public comment may also be submitted to DNRC by letter, fax, or email. Letters should be addressed to: Monte Mason, Minerals Management Bureau Chief, Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation, PO Box 201601, Helena, MT 59620-1601. Letters by fax should be addressed to Mason and sent to (406) 444-2684; comments may also be emailed to Mason.
Additional information on the Otter Creek coal property, including an electronic copy of the appraisal document, is available on the DNRC Web site.
###DNRC###
John Grassy
Public Information Officer
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
(406) 444-0465
