Further, it is pointed out that the economic benefits the plants offer to small towns and rural areas are not to be overlooked. For example, some residents of Mobile, a small town of about 75 families between Gila Bend and Interstate 10, said they support the Montezuma plant because it promises paved roads, access to utilities and school improvements. Not all Mobile residents agree, however, some raising concerns about air pollution and sinking water tables. Plants proposed for the Gila Bend and Coolidge areas have garnered local support. The consensus of the Gilbert community on the other hand is strongly against the expansion of SRP's San Tan facility.
Opposition also seems to be growing to the proposed Toltec plant.
Objections include the plant's proximity to the new Ironwood National Monument and its water use. Others, while conceding some advantages to power plants locating within the state, are still uneasy about the development. They question whether long-range planning has been done to determine if power plants represent the best use of the state's water resources. They fear that an over commitment of water resources for power generation will possibly close out future options for other economic opportunities. Also some are concerned about Arizona exporting power out of state.