A burble of excitement fell into an expectant hush as more than 150 people gathered in the Tuscola Community center for the simulcast announcement of the placement of the FutureGen project. The hush turned into a cheer as Mike Mudd, President of the FutureGen Alliance announced “We have chosen Mattoon.”

“We’re disappointed, of course,” said City Administrator Drew Hoel following the announcement from the National Press Club in Washington. “But we’re very happy that it’s coming to Illinois.”

A few final hurdles remain for the $1.8 billion project to come to reality. Possibly most important is the final decision from the Department of Energy on the site’s suitability. If the Department concurs with the Alliance members that the Mattoon site is best overall, land acquisition and construction will soon follow.

“The site chosen was based on a decision of which would have the best chance for success,” Mudd said in his lead-up to the announcement.

Also on-hand in Tuscola was the mayor of Arcola, a community that lies about midway between Mattoon and Tuscola. “We’re excited,” said Larry Ferguson. “Any time you have a large project like this there will be an economic ripple effect. I’ll be calling the mayor of Mattoon to congratulate him when I leave here, and offer any assistance we can offer.”

The FutureGen Alliance is comprised of a consortium of coal producers, electrical generation companies, and governments, including India and China. Chair of the Alliance Greg Walker said the project, designed to store carbon dioxide emissions underground, will “bring to bear the best minds from six continents” and will be global in its future impact.