Several New Mexico officials recently declared support for a plan to build a nearly $1 billion natural gas and solar power plant in San Juan County.
The Daily Times of Farmington reports that Gov. Susan Martinez, the state's five congressmen and County Executive Officer Kim Carpenter wrote letters to Western Area Power Administration in support of the plant. It's known as the Clean Path Energy Center and could start operating in late 2019.
Power plant developer Western Energy Partners is awaiting approval to connect transmission lines to the plant.
Western Area Power Administration spokeswoman Kara Lamb says her company will be ready to move forward once the plant complies with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Western Energy President Curt Hildebrand says he plans to publish a notice of intent to build the plant this month.
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