SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- A massive power production project that would build a large reservoir on the west bank of the Missouri River is moving through the regulatory stages. The Gregory County Pumped Storage project would be about five miles south of the Platte-Winner bridge.

Joni Livingston with Missouri River Energy Services of Sioux Falls says they have filed their first applications.

Livingston says they have held some meetings in the area.

Livingston says they are in the initial design stages of the reservoir.

Water would be pumped uphill to the reservoir during low power demand times, then be released through the turbines when electricity demand rises. The project is estimated to cost about a billion dollars and would not be completed until about 2035.

Even though the project is in the early development stages, opposition to the “Gregory County Pumped Storage” plan is growing.

Missouri River Energy Services is taking the lead in developing the near billion-dollar project southwest of Platte that would pump water from the Missouri River up to a reservoir on the west side of the river, then release it downhill through generators when more power is needed.

Lee Qualm of Platte says about two hundred people opposed to the project joined in a public meeting this week.

Qualm says the project is being sold as renewable energy.

Qualm says there are other problems with the proposal.

Mid American energy is a partner in the project.