Loading ...Proposed Power Plant Discussed at Rush City Council Meeting
Controversy has swirled in Chisago County over the past few weeks regarding a proposed power plant in Lent Township. The LS Power group is proposing to construct a 780 Megawatt Sunrise River Energy Station just south of North Branch.
Vice President of the group, Robert Colozza, spoke Monday to the Rush City Council about getting their support for the project, because he says it means benefits not only for Lent Township, but all of Chisago County.
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LS Power estimates the project will create hundreds of construction jobs over the two-year construction period and 25-high paid permanent positions. Supporters of the project say these jobs are of great value because of the county’s over eight-percent unemployment rate.
Colozza also told the council the real property tax payments of the project will equal roughly $1.6-million a year, LS Power will contribute $100,000 annually to the Chisago County Environmental Improvement Fund for at least 30-years, and payment-in-lieu of personal property taxes of $600,000 a year.
However, there are concerns regarding the project. Some local residents don’t like the idea of using fuel oil as a back-up source, potential increase in noise levels, and the source of water. The plant is expected to use roughly 3.5 million gallons of water per day and initially LS Power proposed drawing from the Mt.-Simon Hinckley aquifer, which serves Rush City, however, Colozza says this is no longer part of the plan.
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Rush City did not vote on a letter of support for the project because of the absences of council members Michael Louzek and Nic Malchow. They plan on making a decision at their next council meeting November 23rd.
Lent township will vote on the power plant on December 15th. If it fails, Colozza says the group will look elsewhere to construct the plant.