Hydropower at St. Anthony Falls

A skirmish over a proposed hydropower plant at St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis has prompted legislation that would require the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to consent to the project, which it opposes.

The Crown Mill Hydro Electric Project would produce and sell electricity by harnessing water from the Mississippi River at the historic falls location and use a system of existing tunnels under park board land.

HF1440, sponsored by Rep. Mike Beard (R-Shakopee), would require the park board to issue all necessary permits and authorizations by May 31, 2011, for the project to move forward.

“It’s sustainable common sense energy,” Beard told the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.

The committee approved the bill April 13 and sent it to the House Government Operations and Elections Committee. Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) sponsors the companion, SF1191, which awaits action by the Senate Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.

Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) said the bill could cause a breach of contract between Crown Hydro and the park board. In a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission letter dated Oct. 1, 1998, Crown Hydro acknowledged its project might endanger the historic site and agreed it would not take any steps that would endanger the area without complete agreement from the park board. HF1440 is a step in that direction, Wagenius said. She wants the bill to go to the House Civil Law Committee.

Representating Crown Hydro, Todd Guerrero said the park board is placing the virtues of aesthetics for nearby residents over the production of renewable energy. Guerrero said he has a power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy to buy the hydropower, if it becomes available.

Brian Rice, attorney for the park board, said the site falls within a national historic district and receives 1.2 million visitors a year. The original federal license issued to Crown Hydro was for a location within the former Crown Roller Mill Building. Rice said FERC has since denied amendments and extensions to the proposal.

MPRB President John Erwin said the project has completely changed since the FERC license was issued and that it could negatively impact future development.