| Anoka supports hydro power, if property is protected |
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| Wednesday, 07 October 2009 | |
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Union Editor Anoka City Council supports the idea of restarting hydroelectric production at the Coon Rapids Dam, as long as it does not negatively impact property owners along the Mississippi River’s recreational pool. The council heard a proposal from Rep. Jerry Newton during Monday’s work session, which included a plan for a $28 million hydroelectric facility at the dam. The dam has not produced power since 1966. But the council was adamant that the recreational pool north of the dam continue to be lowered. Newton said that one previous study showed the pool being lowered two feet during the winter months, rather than the typical five to seven feet it is dropped today. For many council members, that is not enough to alleviate worries about ice jams in the winter that cause the river to rise and could lead to property damage. “I have some pretty severe concerns that at just two feet down that pool is going to stay pretty full,” said Councilmember Jeff Weaver. Three Rivers Parks District currently has control of the dam, which it would like to hand off to another private or public entity. Newton cautioned that if the dam is controlled privately, that recreational pool level would be impacted. “I would rather see one of the cities control those levels in the summer and winter,” said Newton. He added that he would also be making the same pitch to the cities of Coon Rapids, Champlin and Brooklyn Park. “That pool is an amazing asset to a lot of people,” added Weaver. “Those 347 homes on the pool generate huge real estate taxes for these communities.” Councilmember Carl Anderson said he could support the project if it could be shown that hydroelectric production would be financially feasible and help cover the costs to maintain the dam. “Eventually the cities that benefit from that pool are going to get hit with a big price tag to repair that dam or rebuild that dam,” said Anderson. “The argument could be made for electrifying that dam if it could create funding for maintaining that dam.” Anderson said there is also an advantage because the dam would generate power right in the metro that could immediately added to the grid where it is needed. Newton said he was gathering information from the area city councils to give direction to any future study of the project. “There is no sense going forward with something if it is going to damage everyone’s property,” he said. Mandy Moran Froemming is at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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