Public voices support for Norwegian company to come to Butte
BUTTE, Mont. — A plan to give a major tax break for a Norwegian company to build in Butte receives no public opposition.
During Wednesday’s Council Of Commissioners meeting in Butte, the public had their say in a proposal for the company Cenate to receive a 75% local tax abatement to create a massive facility at the local industrial park. Cenate helps produce silicon materials that make batteries more efficient,
The break would save the company, which has selected Butte as one of a handful of finalists, over $10 million over five years.
Six local business leaders spoke in vehement support for the project, saying it will benefit the entire community.
“While we’ll abate $11 million in local taxes in the first five years of the abatement, Cenate will still pay 14 million in years six through 10. There will be no toxic fumes and the project is low impact with no discharge or solid waste,” said Kelly Sullivan, executive director of Butte Local Development Corporation.
“Every physician we recruit to St. James asks one question, is Butte growing or is it shrinking? I want to be able to tell them that butte is growing, and this is one of the ways we can grow this community,” said Jay Doyle, president of St. James Healthcare. “It’s important to the provider and their family that they locate in a city that chooses a robust and growing future.”
Construction could begin as soon as next year, with completion in 2025 and the potential for hundreds of local jobs.
The resolution to provide for the abatement will be drafted by the county attorney, with the commission being tasked with taking action in the coming weeks.
