Minnesota Office of Energy Security (MOES) public meetings on the CapX2020 high voltage transmission line proposal held in Cannon Falls on May 6 were highlighted by specific concerns about where the proposed line would go on the west side of U.S. Highway 52 as it jogs around the newly rebuilt 52/19 interchange.

While the “preferred route” submitted by the utilities requesting a permit for the line and towers (120-170 high; spaced 800 to 1,000 feet apart) generally follows right along the Hwy. 52 right of way from a proposed new substation in Hampton as it heads toward another proposed new substation in the Pine Island area, MnDOT requests that powerlines go around and not through an interchange.

Going around the 52/19 interchange to the west means that the line will come very close to Sandstrom Auto and Truck Repair, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School and residences like that of Joe Lopez on 303rd Street Way. All voiced concerns and/or asked if any alternatives could be considered. A utility engineer said the towers require an eight foot wide pad that would go down about 50 feet.

Matt Langan, permit manager with MOES, said that MnDOT does sometimes offer “hardship” routing variances and said any hardships noted could result in a change of the proposed route. Langan asked that attendees submit detailed written comments saying why the route should be changed and to submit detailed alternative routes if possible.

Langan and MOES will accept comments and suggestions for the scoping study they will conduct on the Hampton to Alma portion of the CapX project over the next year until May 20.

Detailed maps of the proposed routes are available at capx2020.com and at energyfacilities.puc.state.mn.us. A hard copy of the plan is available at the Cannon Falls Library.

Comments can be submitted by way of e-mail to Langan at matthew.langan@state.mn.us. or via regular mail at 85 7th Place East, Suite 500, St. Paul, MN, 55101-2198.