House gives nod to industry eminent domain bill

House gives nod to industry eminent domain bill

MATT GOURAS,Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House has given an initial endorsement to a pro-industry eminent domain bill which supporters of the high-voltage Montana Alberta Tie Line say is needed to rescue the stalled project.

The issue pits property rights against economic development. A court ruled late last year that utility lines like MATL don't have eminent domain authority.

The House endorsed the plan Friday on a 56-44 initial vote.

Supporters say it is needed to make sure the MATL project doesn't get shut down after mill...