A Canadian energy company is buying an embattled Montana power transmission line project that has seen its plans of shipping wind energy across the border become mired in landowner disputes.
Alberta, Canada-based Enbridge Inc. announced Tuesday it was buying Tonbridge Power Inc., whose main business involves the Montana-Alberta Tie Line power transmission project. The deal is subject to shareholder approval.
Enbridge says it will pay $70 million for Tonbridge and the debt it has incurred so far in building the 214-mile transmission line.
Ultimately, Enbridge says it expects to spend approximately $300 million completing the line.
The MATL line has been the focus of high-profile legal and legislative battles in Montana. Some landowners are refusing to sell rights of way to the company, leading to bitter eminent domain claims.