Future use of Pueblo power plant remains unclear

The fate of a former Black Hills power plant remains uncertain as City Council prepares to decide whether to have it demolished or repurposed.

The city organized a meeting Wednesday to discuss future uses and possible demolition efforts for Power Stations 5 & 6 near the Riverwalk.

Black Hills Energy is offering it to the city. Christopher Burke, vice president of Colorado Utility Operations for Black Hills Energy, told the roughly 20 people in attendance that the city has the first rights of refusal by virtue of its franchise agreement.

Pueblo City Council would need to decide by December if it wants to keep the building, or have it demolished. Either way, the property on Victoria Avenue would eventually be owned by the city.

If council decides to have it demolished, those efforts would begin next April. Burke said the asbestos will be removed, regardless of whether the building is torn down.

Jack Rink, president and CEO of PEDCO, told the crowd he did not think the building would be suitable for businesses looking to move to Pueblo.

Someone in the audience expressed concern that council would be deciding on the future of the plant but only Councilman Ed Brown was in attendance. City manager Sam Azad said Black Hills plans to make a presentation to council during its work session on Nov. 24.