UI looks to build $70 million backup power plant

(AP) - The University of Iowa wants to build a $70 million power plant to help provide electricity and steam for buildings on the west side of campus.

Spokesman Ferman Milster says the plant would be a backup generator for University Hospitals and Clinics and research buildings.

Those buildings are powered by the university's main power plant, which is on the Iowa River. That plant was knocked offline for four months during the floods of 2008. The hospital was forced to cancel nonessential surgeries and procedures.

Milster says a new plant would be powered by natural gas and would be away from the Iowa River. It would continue to provide power during a major flood.

The Iowa Board of Regents has given the initial approval to begin planning.