BROOKINGS 345 kV POWER LINE MEETINGS START MARCH 30

Posted on | March 28, 2009 |

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SPEAK UP!

The CapX2020 utilities have already made their application for a 345 kV power line from Brookings County, South Dakota to Hampton, Minnesota.

PUBLIC MEETINGS have been scheduled starting March 30, in various communities near the route of the Brookings power line. The dates and places of meetings are provided below.

What will happen at these Public Meetings?

• At every scheduled meeting, there will be about an hour of open house. If you come for this part of the meeting you can look at the routes in detail.

• Then, the State agency staff will give a presentation. You should know that the State agencies have been supporting all of the CapX2020 projects, including the Brookings line.

• Finally, you will have a chance to speak up. Please make a statement reflecting your concerns. If at all possible, put your thoughts in writing, and make sure that the agency staff gets a copy. Don’t let the long process dissuade you from speaking your mind (you can always come just in time to comment).

What will be decided as a result of these Public Meetings?

These public meetings decide what the State agency permitting staff will look at in the environmental impact statement (EIS) before they give a route permit. This is called the “scope” of the EIS.

• If an alternative route is suggested in these public meetings, it is much more likely to be considered. The ALJ has suggested that the line might stop at Lake Marion instead of going to Hampton. The utilities will not like this recommendation, and public comment may influence whether this alternative is even considered.

• Similarly, if public comments are made about noise, loss in property values, aesthetic impacts, conflicts with local land use, magnetic fields, health risks from electromagnetic fields, impacts to wetlands or forests, it is much more likely that the State EIS will consider these issues in routing the power lines away from homes and sensitive areas. If these issues matter to you, come and voice your concerns.

• If you are completely opposed to the project or believe that certain segments should be built underground, you have the right to say your opinion even if the State agency staff doesn’t agree with you. These meetings are intended to include your views.

In addition to speaking up at the meetings, you can also send written comments regarding the scope of the EIS and your concerns about the Brookings power line on the State permitting website at www.energyfacilities.puc.state.mn.us.

If you would like to participate in these public meeting, but have questions about the process, please feel free to call CETF attorney Paula Maccabee at 651-646-8890. Information about the CapX2020 power lines is at http://cetf.us/

Dates of the upcoming routing meetings for the Brookings Line:

Monday, March 30th
1-4 p.m. & 5-8 p.m.
Best Western Marshall Inn
1500 E. College Dr.
Marshall, MN

Tuesday, March 31st 5-8 p.m.
Midwest Center for Wind Energy
2390 County Hwy. 1
Hendricks, MN

Wednesday, April 1st 12-3 p.m.
Prairie’s Edge Casino & Resort
5616 Prairie’s Edge Lane
Granite Falls, MN

Also Wed. April 1 5-8 p.m.
Redwood Area Community Center
901 Cook St.
Redwood Falls, MN

Thurs. April 2 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sibley East Junior High
Middle Gym
500 Court Ave.
Gaylord, MN 55334

Monday, April 6th 5-8 p.m.
Hog Wild Saloon & Eatary
514 Main St
Henderson, MN

Tuesday, April 7th 5-8 p.m.
New Prague High School Commons
221 - 12th St. N.E.
New Prague, MN

Wednesday, April 8th 9-12 p.m. & 1-4 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
20800 Kenrick Ave
Lakeville, MN

Thursday, April 9th 5 – 8 p.m.
Grandpa’s Event Center
31846 - 65th Ave
Cannon Falls, MN

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