LETTER: Bonoff Addresses Hollydale Power Line Project

Dear Neighbors, 

I have had the pleasure of walking our neighborhoods and speaking one on one with many of you over the past few weeks. During our discussions, I have become increasingly concerned with the proposed new transmission line.

Since first hearing about this issue, I have met with officials from Xcel Energy, City Council Members, and Mayor Slavik. After speaking with project stakeholders from all sides and conducting research of my own, I determined that the best way for me to help was to write a formal letter to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). I have attached a PDF of my letter. I sent this letter Monday and have already gotten a response. The response is also attached. 

As many of you know, Xcel Energy must get two approvals from the PUC before it can build a line: a Certificate of Need and a Route Permit. The Route permitting process has already been moved to a contested case hearing where you will have the opportuntiy to give your input. At this point there has not been a determination whether the Certificate of Need (CON) process will also be reviewed as a contested case. That is what my submitted letter requests.  This is imperative as many believe there has not been an adequate demonstration of need for the high voltage line. 

It is crucial that you are involved during the hearing process. Please review the schedule below that outlines the key dates. Additional information will be forthcoming when we learn whether our request for the CON process has been accepted. My letter was not the only request made. Your strong neighborhood advocacy and informed work is making a difference as you can see from the attached response.

Pre-Filing of Applicant’s Direct Testimony ------ September 28, 2012

Deadline for Intervention ------ October 4, 2012

Pre-Filing of Intervenors’ Direct Testimony, Initial EFP Comments and Comments from the Public. ------ October 16, 2012

Target Date for Draft EIS Public Meeting ------ October 16 and 17, 2012

Pre-Filing of Rebuttal Testimony and EFP Comments ------ October 31, 2012

Deadline for Comments on Draft EIS ------ October 31, 2012

Deadline for Foundation Objections ------ November 5, 2012

Thank you to those who have spoken with me about this issue, particularly the neighborhood representatives, Council Member Judy Johnson who represented the City Council on the advisory task force, Mayor Slavik and Xcel Energy representative Grania McKiernan. I appreciate everyone's assistance and am committed to working with you going forward.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me at Sen.Terri.Bonoff@senate.mn or 612-360-0035.

Best Regards,

Senator Terri Bonoff