Carver city officials were caught off guard by an electric transmission line that’s proposed to cut across Dahlgren Township on land that is slated be annexed into the city for future development.
Great River Energy and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative are proposing the 115-KV transmission line through Laketown and Dahlgren townships. The three- to five-mile line would require a 100-foot right-of-way — 50 feet on each side of the centerline – to make sure the land along the path is clear of structures, trees and vegetation. The line would be supported by 70- to 95-foot-tall poles placed 300 to 450 feet apart.
In 2014, the city and Dahlgren Township entered into an orderly annexation agreement that includes a “north growth area” earmarked for city residential and commercial growth. According to initial plans, the transmission line would cut across this future city land.
“Really impactful for development in the area, limiting the amount of development that could happen,” Community Development Manager Erin Smith reported at the Carver City Council meeting July 7.
Two electric co-op representatives were on hand at the council meeting to answer questions about the controversial proposal.
Although a route permit application was submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Aug.19, 2024, Carver officials said they weren’t aware of the proposal until two months later.
According to Council Member Kristy Mock, the city of Victoria and Carver County officials were involved in early discussions about the transmission line which resulted in a new route being established closer to Carver. She said the city of Carver should have been involved in early discussions as well.
Mayor Courtney Johnson agreed.
“It’s a bummer we didn’t get a seat at that table,” she commented.
Mike Swenson, Great River Energy transmission permitting specialist, said the company was not aware of the city’s annexation agreement until a township resident alerted them. That’s when Great River reached out to Carver staff, but Swenson admitted it was after the application had already been submitted to the PUC.
Even after becoming aware of the annexation agreement, and again reviewing the options for the project, Swenson said the route on the permit application remains the best. The route avoids existing structures and doesn’t limit farmland access, he suggested.
Residential and commercial development in other communities still occurs along 115-KV transmission lines, Swenson noted, so it shouldn’t hamper Carver’s growth going forward.
“It’s not really seen, from our end, as a hindrance to development,” Swenson said. “Our conclusion is that that line is compatible with your proposed land uses in that area. And, in fact, the project itself would help facilitate that type of development you’re looking at.”
Mock asked if the transmission line route is a “done deal” and the city has no options for recourse.
“It’s not a done deal,” Swenson answered. “At the end of the day, the PUC has the final decision on which route is going to get approved.”
Swenson reported that an administrative law judge is expected to issue a recommendation on “which route should be permitted” on July 17. Then the PUC will make a final determination.
Still obviously frustrated by the situation, Mayor Johnson closed the discussion.
“I wish we would have had this conversation years ago,” she said.
