The Staff Briefing Papers are out for the Brookings CapX 2020 transmission line. And then they filed REVISED Staff Briefing Papers, and I’m trying to figure out what’s different:

REVISED Staff Briefing Papers – Narrative

Staff Briefing Papers – Narrative & Overview Maps

There are just too many to post. Here’s the overview — the colored squares with letters indicate which map series they are, but go figure, they’re not filed in eDockets using that system… grrrrrrrrrrr:

I’ll do them little by little:

Maps CH 61-72 – eFiling No: 20107-52223-06

The individual maps can be found at:

1. www.puc.state.mn.us
2. then click “Search Dockets “
3. search for 08-1474.

COME TO THE PUC MEETING ON TUESDAY, JULY 13TH.

YOU MUST PREREGISTER TO SPEAK.  Call 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782 (”Option 1″) or email PublicComments.puc@state.mn.us — tell them your name, phone number, and group affiliation if any.  CONTACT THEM BY JULY 12 @ 9:30 a.m.

PUC MEETING TO HEAR PUBLIC COMMENT AND ORAL ARGUMENT

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 @ 9:30 a.m.

Public Utilities Commission

121 – 7th Place East, Large Hearing Room

St. Paul, Minnesota

Here’s the short version of the main point – and the overview map:

Under state law, a permit could be issued for either the Belle Plaine or the Le Sueur river crossing; however, in reviewing the record and information which became available after the ALJ Report was issued, it appears that the river crossing at Le Sueur is fatally flawed. The ALJ’s first choice (Applicant’s Modified Preferred Route, modified by 6P-06), addresses several issues, including Mn/DOT’s concerns with I-35 and Highway 52. Applicant’s Modified Preferred Route has several flaws, however including a possible fatal flaw that only fully came to light after the hearing record closed: the USFWS likely denial of an incidental eagle take permit for Le Sueur Minnesota River crossing. Other flaws and concerns include:

• Mn/DOT issues with the Highway 169 crossing area, including the rest stop and scenic easement areas;
• Bimeda issues along Myrick Street; and
  
• RES Pyrotechnics, Inc./Ruhland issues.