Colstrip, Montana

Colstrip is a city in Rosebud County, Montana, United States. The population was 2,096 at the 2020 census.[3]

Colstrip, Montana
City
Sign upon entering Colstrip
Sign upon entering Colstrip
Official seal of Colstrip, Montana
Seal
Motto: 
Tomorrow's Town Today
Location of Colstrip, Montana
Location of Colstrip, Montana
Coordinates: 45°53′03″N 106°37′25″W
CountryUnited States
StateMontana
CountyRosebud
Incorporated (city)1998
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorJohn Williams
Area
[1]
 • Total4.05 sq mi (10.49 km2)
 • Land4.05 sq mi (10.48 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
[2]
3,232 ft (985 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total2,096
 • Density518.04/sq mi (200.04/km2)
Time zoneUTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-6 (MDT)
ZIP code
59323
Area code406
FIPS code30-16525
GNIS feature ID0770042[2]
Websitewww.cityofcolstrip.com

Established in 1924 and incorporated as a city in 1998, Colstrip is the largest city in Rosebud County with 25.2% [3] of the total population in 2020. Colstrip's primary industries are coal mining and electricity production. In 2005, Sports Illustrated’s 50th anniversary issue named Colstrip the top sports town in Montana.[4] The entire community celebrates Colstrip Days annually on the weekend prior to the 4th of July.

History
Open pit strip mining with shovels at Colstrip's Rosebud Mine

Colstrip was established by the Northern Pacific Railway in 1924 as a company town to provide coal for their steam locomotives. The mining at Rosebud Mine two miles south of the town is open pit strip mining, where draglines remove soil above the layer of bituminous coal from the Fort Union Formation.[5][6]

During The Second World War, the Colstrip mine was identified as strategically important because it supplied coal for the Northern Pacific Railway steam locomotives hauling military equipment for the war effort. The mine was guarded from sabotage, and the employees were not allowed to quit their jobs.[7]

In 1958, the railroad switched to using diesel locomotives and the Colstrip mine was shut down. In 1959, Montana Power Company purchased the rights to the mine and the town, and resumed mining operations in the 1970s with plans to build coal-fired electrical plants.[8]

The power plants were built in the 1970s and 1980s by a collection of contractors including Bechtel. During this construction period, Colstrip was a boomtown, with a large increase in population. Plants 1 and 2 became operational in 1975 and 1976, and plants 3 and 4 became operational in 1984 and 1986.

Colstrip Power Plants 1-4 from right to left

In 1974, construction of Colstrip's 150-acre (0.61 km2) Castle Rock Lake (formerly named surge pond) was completed. The Colstrip plants produce electricity from coal using steam. The water for the steam is pumped in an underground pipe 30 miles (48 km) from the Yellowstone River and stored in the lake. The lake is stocked with fish and the home for a wide variety of wildlife.

In 1990, the Colstrip Energy Limited Project started commercial operations. Located six miles (10 km) north of Colstrip, this experimental electricity production facility is owned by Rosebud Energy Corp., a partnership that at one point included Enron. The plant uses high sulfur waste coal from the Rosebud Coal Mine's topmost one foot layer of coal.[9]

In 1998, plants 1-4 were sold to a group led by PPL Corporation (PPL) [10] and Puget Sound Energy[11] (PSE). The Rosebud Coal Mine was sold to Westmoreland Mining LLC. [12] [13] In this same year, the City of Colstrip was incorporated.

In June 2015, PPL spun off its power generation assets including the Colstrip plants to become Talen Energy.

The Rosebud mine in 2006, taken from the International Space Station

In 2016, Puget Sound Energy reached an agreement with the Sierra Club and the Montana Environmental Information Center to shut down units 1 and 2 of the coal-fired generating plant by the year 2022.[14] The agreement said nothing about the status of Units 3 and 4 at the generating station. However, the existing electrical transmission capacity that transmits power from Colstrip to the Pacific Northwest may be used to transmit wind energy.[15] Another blow to Colstrip's economy came when a proposed junction point from BNSF Railway to connect to Tongue River Railroad was dismissed.[16]

In June 2019, Talen Energy announced the closure of two of the four coal burning units by the end of the year. The power plant is "the sixth-largest source of greenhouse emissions in the U.S."[17] Units 3 and 4 will remain in operation.[18]

In January 2020, Puget Sound Energy announced that Unit 1 ceased operating in the "first days of January", and Unit 2 ceased operating on January 4. Units 3 and 4 will remain operational as planned, but will be closed within the next five years.[19]

In January 2023, Avista made a deal giving NorthWestern Energy their 15% share of the plant for free.[20] The deal takes effect in 2025. A Washington state law bans use of coal-generated electricity, forcing Avista to relinquish their stake in the company.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.47 square miles (11.58 km2), all land.[21]

There are 30 city parks and 300 acres of green space owned by the city.[22] The strip mining area is a few miles west of town.

South of town 23 miles (37 km), is Deer Medicine Rocks, a National Historic Landmark. These sandstone cliffs are covered with petroglyphs and pictographs.[23] Hills covered in sandstone formations are typical of this area. The topography in the county is mostly rolling with small hills.[24] Deer and pronghorn are plentiful.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Colstrip has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.[25]

Climate data for Colstrip, Montana, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1927–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 69
(21)		 72
(22)		 81
(27)		 90
(32)		 99
(37)		 108
(42)		 110
(43)		 111
(44)		 102
(39)		 94
(34)		 80
(27)		 74
(23)		 111
(44)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 57.0
(13.9)		 58.9
(14.9)		 69.5
(20.8)		 77.6
(25.3)		 83.4
(28.6)		 92.0
(33.3)		 98.2
(36.8)		 97.2
(36.2)		 93.3
(34.1)		 81.5
(27.5)		 67.8
(19.9)		 57.3
(14.1)		 99.8
(37.7)
Average high °F (°C) 35.8
(2.1)		 37.1
(2.8)		 47.1
(8.4)		 55.4
(13.0)		 64.9
(18.3)		 74.9
(23.8)		 85.0
(29.4)		 84.0
(28.9)		 76.4
(24.7)		 58.1
(14.5)		 45.9
(7.7)		 36.6
(2.6)		 58.4
(14.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 24.7
(−4.1)		 26.1
(−3.3)		 35.5
(1.9)		 43.7
(6.5)		 53.4
(11.9)		 62.9
(17.2)		 71.1
(21.7)		 69.6
(20.9)		 59.6
(15.3)		 45.9
(7.7)		 34.8
(1.6)		 26.0
(−3.3)		 46.1
(7.8)
Average low °F (°C) 13.5
(−10.3)		 15.1
(−9.4)		 23.9
(−4.5)		 31.9
(−0.1)		 41.9
(5.5)		 50.8
(10.4)		 57.2
(14.0)		 55.2
(12.9)		 45.8
(7.7)		 33.7
(0.9)		 23.6
(−4.7)		 15.3
(−9.3)		 34.0
(1.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −12.3
(−24.6)		 −7.2
(−21.8)		 2.9
(−16.2)		 17.1
(−8.3)		 27.5
(−2.5)		 39.0
(3.9)		 46.8
(8.2)		 43.8
(6.6)		 32.2
(0.1)		 16.6
(−8.6)		 2.2
(−16.6)		 −7.9
(−22.2)		 −19.4
(−28.6)
Record low °F (°C) −42
(−41)		 −50
(−46)		 −28
(−33)		 −13
(−25)		 13
(−11)		 28
(−2)		 34
(1)		 33
(1)		 5
(−15)		 −8
(−22)		 −32
(−36)		 −38
(−39)		 −50
(−46)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.65
(17)		 0.69
(18)		 0.95
(24)		 1.92
(49)		 3.14
(80)		 2.48
(63)		 1.42
(36)		 1.03
(26)		 1.43
(36)		 1.44
(37)		 0.69
(18)		 0.56
(14)		 16.4
(418)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 7.4
(19)		 7.3
(19)		 5.5
(14)		 3.3
(8.4)		 0.5
(1.3)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.2
(0.51)		 2.3
(5.8)		 3.9
(9.9)		 6.2
(16)		 36.6
(93.91)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 6.7 6.4 7.6 9.0 11.8 10.5 7.0 5.5 5.8 7.4 6.2 5.6 89.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.5 5.3 3.3 1.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.1 2.4 4.4 23.7
Source 1: NOAA[26]
Source 2: National Weather Service[27]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
20002,346—
20102,214−5.6%
20202,096−5.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[28][3]

The historical population of Colstrip has varied largely since it was established in 1924. Prior to incorporation in 1998 it was a census-designated place.[29]

2010 census

As of the census[30] of 2010, there were 2,214 people, 863 households, and 622 families residing in the city. The population density was 495.3 inhabitants per square mile (191.2/km2). There were 986 housing units at an average density of 220.6 per square mile (85.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.7% White, 0.2% African American, 9.0% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 5.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 863 households, of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.9% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the city was 38.1 years. 28.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 36% were from 45 to 64; and 5.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.8% male and 48.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census[31] of 2000, there were 2,346 people, 825 households, and 674 families residing in the city. The population density was 522.6 inhabitants per square mile (201.8/km2). There were 936 housing units at an average density of 208.5 per square mile (80.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.93% White, 0.68% African American, 11.30% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 3.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.15% of the population.

There were 825 households, out of which 48.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.3% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.4% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 3.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $55,650, and the median income for a family was $60,352. Males had a median income of $54,241 versus $25,234 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,336. About 5.9% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Government

Colstrip has a mayor-council form of government. In 2023 the mayor was John Williams.[32]

Education

Colstrip Public Schools educates students from kindergarten through 12th grade.[33] The highest level of education offered in Colstrip is the Colstrip High School. They are known as the Colts/Fillies.[34]

The nearest college is Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer.

Colstrip is about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Many Cheyenne students from the reservation attend school at the high school, making up about one third of the students.[35]

The Bicentennial Library operates in Colstrip.[36]

Recreation
Castle Rock Lake near Colstrip

Colstrip offers a wide variety of recreational and sports activities. Boating and fishing is available on Castle Rock Lake, an artificial reservoir used by the Colstrip power plants. Fishing enthusiasts can find bluegill, bass, walleye and pike. A 3.2 mile walking/biking trail runs around the lake, and a picnic area and beach is available to swimmers.[37] A year-round recreational facility is available free to residents at Rye Park through Colstrip Parks and Recreation District. CPRD, formerly CARPA, offers sports programs for children and adults alike including golf,[38] soccer, basketball, baseball, fitness and health classes. CPRD facilities include a weight room and cardio room, and two different gymnasiums. CPRD also maintains the bike paths around the city.[39]

Infrastructure

Highway 39 passes through town from north to south.

Colstrip Airport (FAA ID: M46)[40] is a public use airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Colstrip. The nearest commercial airport is Billings Logan International Airport, 124 miles (200 km) west.

Colstrip Medical Center provides primary care.[41]

Media

The Forsyth-based Independent Press covers news for all of Rosebud County, which includes Colstrip.[42]

Two radio stations are licensed in Colstrip. FM station KMCJ[43] is part of Your Network of Praise. FM station KYPC[44] is part of Yellowstone Public Radio.

Notable people

See also

References
  1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Colstrip, Montana
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  4. "The little town that could: Tiny Colstrip takes SI Sportstown Honors for the state of Montana". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 3, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2016.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. "Rosebud Mine Tour Fact Sheet 2007" (PDF). Westmoreland Mining LLC. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
  6. David T. Hanson (2010). Colstrip, Montana. Fairfield, Iowa: Taverner Press. LCCN 2010925843.
  7. McRae, Wallace (2009). Stick Horses and Other Stories of Ranch Life. Gibbs Smith. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-4236-0591-1.
  8. "City of Colstrip History". Colstrip City Government. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
  9. "SEC Info - Rosebud Energy Corp". Securities & Exchange Commission. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
  10. "PPL Colstrip Page".
  11. "PSE Appendix J Colstrip" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 12, 2017. Retrieved September 17, 2016.
  12. "Westmoreland Rosebud Mine". Westmoreland Coal Company. Retrieved September 17, 2006.
  13. "Montana Power Company - Generations of Power". The Missoulian Newspaper. Archived from the original on May 26, 2001. Retrieved July 11, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. "Colstrip coal plant in Montana agrees to close 2 units". Associated Press. The Olympian. July 12, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  15. "Oldest two units at Colstrip to be retired no later than 2022". Montana Environmental Information Center. July 12, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  16. "Tongue River Railroad application denied". Great Falls Tribune. April 26, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  17. Kirk, Karen (July 15, 2019). "The 'war on coal' myth". Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  18. "Colstrip Steam Electric Station Units 1 and 2 to Retire". Talen Energy Investors. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  19. Gordon, Phillip (January 6, 2020). "US 2020 coal closures start with a bang with two units closed in Montana". Smart Energy International. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  20. Clouse, Thomas (January 22, 2023). "Avista makes deal to get out of aging Colstrip power plant in Montana". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  21. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  22. Garant, Amanda. "Colstrip, Montana: Family Town, First. Company Town, Second". Eastern Montana Land and Home. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  23. "Deer Medicine Rocks". Montana National Register Sign Program. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  24. "Welcome to Rosebud County". Rosebud County. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  25. Climate Summary for Colstrip, Montana
  26. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  27. "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  28. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  29. "Colstrip Comprehensive Growth Plan" (PDF). Colstrip City Government. Retrieved July 11, 2008.
  30. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  31. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  32. "Mayor John Williams". City of Colstrip. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  33. "Colstrip Public Schools". Colstrip Public Schools District 19. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
  34. "Member Schools". Montana High School Association. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  35. Page 107 We, the Northern Cheyenne People: our land, our history, our culture (2008), Ambler, Marjane; Little Bear, Richard E; Wilson, Dave; Tall Bull, Linwood; Hantz, Joan; Ward, Carol; Wertman, Bill; Chief Dull Knife College, Lame Deer, Montana
  36. "Bicentennial Library". Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  37. "Castle Rock Lake".
  38. "Ponderosa Butte Golf Course".
  39. Colstrip Parks and Recreation. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  40. AirNav: M46 – Colstrip Airport. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  41. "Home page". Colstrip Medical Center. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  42. "Home page". Independent Press. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  43. "KMCJ". FCC. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  44. "KYPC". FCC. Retrieved September 22, 2023.

Further reading
  • David R. Wilson, “You Grow Where You’re Planted: Community Building in Colstrip, Montana” (PhD Dissertation: Brigham Young University, 2000)
  • Hanson, David T. (2010). Colstrip, Montana. Fairfield, Iowa: Taverner Press. ISBN 9781935202202.
  • Hanson, David T. (1997). Waste land: meditations on a ravaged landscape (1st ed.). New York: Aperture. ISBN 0893817260.
  • Joel Vetsch, The Virtual Tour of Colstrip, Montana (Colstrip, MT: Bright Idea Web Design, 2005)
  • Carol Ward, Michael Cope, Kayci Muirbrook, Nick Andre, Jake Wixom, and David Wilson, “Colstrip Community Survey: Report I: Community Life, Perspectives, and Outlook for the Future” (Provo, UT: Charles Redd Center for Western Studies, 2019)
  • William B. Evans and Robert L. Peterson. “Decision at Colstrip.” Pacific Northwest Quarterly Vol. 61, No. 3 (Fall 1970): 129-36.
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