Dec 12 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Heather J. Carlson Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.

Gazing at a large map outlining possible routes for a new high-voltage power line, resident Sue Johnson had plenty of questions.

Johnson, who owns a farm in rural Mazeppa, wondered if the power lines could be harmful to the eagles that circle the area and what they could mean for the bluffland's scenic landscape.

"That would be a concern for us -- we would like to keep it away from the bluffland," she said.

Johnson was among dozens of area residents seeking answers about the proposed CapX2020 project during an open house at Grandpa's Event Center in Cannon Falls. Earlier in the day, about 100 people stopped in for an open house for the project at the Oronoco Community Center.

CapX2020 is a joint initiative of 11 utility companies -- including Rochester Public Utilities and Xcel Energy -- to build a $1.7 billion power line from Brookings, S.D. to La Crosse, Wis. The proposal includes a 345-kilovolt power line that would run from Hampton to Rochester and east toward La Crosse. There are three potential river crossing sites -- Alma, Wis., Winona and near La Crescent. Some local environmental groups have mobilized against the project, voicing concerns about its potential impact on wildlife and residents.

Utility representatives say the new power line is desperately needed to keep up with rising energy demand due to growth in Rochester and La Crosse and to replace aging infrastructure.

"The transmission system has not been upgraded in 30 years," said Tom Hillstrom, CapX2020 siting and permitting supervisor.

Hillstrom said the lines will also be used to deliver energy from wind power. By 2025, utilities in Minnesota are required to have 25 percent of their energy coming from renewable sources.

Citizens Energy Task Force is among the groups fighting the project. Task force member Jeremy Chipps said the utilities have failed to demonstrate a need for the project. He pointed to a 3 percent drop in home energy from August through September as evidence that the project is not needed.

The La Crescent resident said he is also concerned that the project's 150-foot towers might impact migrating birds and other wildlife along the river. Other concerns include the potential for the transmission line to transport energy from coal plants.

Responding to these concerns, CapX2020 officials say the power line would follow existing transmission line routes across the river. They said they are striving to keep the power line route along existing highways and roads to minimize its impact.

A Minnesota administrative law judge is expected to decide soon whether the utilities have demonstrated a need for the project. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission then decides whether to issue a certificate of need for the project.

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