(KLZA)-- Just over four-and-a-half years after receiving City Council approval to install a new electrical generating engine at the Falls City Power Plant, the public got a look at the finished product during an open house June 4. 

The engine, manufactured in Finland was sent by ship to the United States and then transported by train to Falls City. The final cost for the new generator was in the neighborhood of $12-million.  

The City now has three generators that can be used to supply power to the City if the line from the Omaha Public Power District goes down. In all, there are now nine generators at the plant, dating as far back as 1930, however, a majority of them cannot be used due to environmental and  air quality regulations.  

The Board of Public Works decided a new generator was the best option for Falls City versus options such as transmission line upgrades. Storms knocking down those lines would have left Falls City without th ability to provide electricity to all city customers. 

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring said with proper care and maintenance the new general could last anywhere from 30 – 60 years.  

Major improvements have been made in recent years to the water plant at Rulo,  the wastewater treatment plant and now the new generator.  

The next major improvement  is expected to be  have bids before the City Council later this month.  The project is a major improvement to the electrical distribution system in Falls City.