By Staci DaSilva
sdasilva@kcautv.com
A land option deal between Hyperion and some rural landowners in Elk Point expired on Sunday...could this mean the end of the Hyperion Energy Center project?
Faded "No Hyperion" front yard signs show just how long some members of this community have fought the "Hyperion Energy Center" construction.
Hyperion opponent Carolyn Harkness said, "We did stop doing business in Elk Point. It didn't matter to them. There were over 40 families within this two mile buffer that would have to leave, that wouldn't be able to live here anymore."
For almost 6 years, Hyperion had a deal with some of the farmers in the area: when the project would be finalized, Hyperion promised to buy the farmer's land for construction.
But on Sunday, that land option expired.
Hyperion representatives are not saying that this means the end of its presence near Elk Point.
Hyperion's Eric Williams said, "We are evaluating our various options and opportunities. We appreciate the longstanding and continued support of the landowners in union county and are continuing to dialogue with them."
The Hyperion Energy Center has polarized the small town of Elk Point.
But the Mayor told us she supports the over 1,000 jobs and the tax dollars the Energy Center would bring to town.
Mayor Isabel Trobaugh said, "The majority of the town voted in favor of it and I'm in support of this town. It'd bring a number of well-paying jobs to Elk Point."
Hyperion supporters aren't sure of exactly what it means to let the land option expire.
But Carolyn Harkness thinks it means Hyperion in Elk Point is a done deal.
Harkness said, "I hope that it means that our community can start to heal. I don't want this to be a Hatfield and McCoy thing for generations."
Hyperion is still scheduled to appear in South Dakota courts on Wednesday over its air quality permits. So it's possible, this story isn't quite over yet.
And Channel Nine Eyewitness News will be at Wednesday's hearing and will bring you the latest.
