Skyway News: Crown Hydro Not Dead Yet
Crown Hydro hasn't given up on Downtown power plant By Scott Russell
Crown Hydro LLC will pursue new plans for a Downtown hydroelectric plant after asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for more time to negotiate a lease.
Crown Hydro sought a 50-year lease of Mill Ruins Park land near St. Anthony Falls, with a 50-year extension, from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The Board rejected it 4-5 May 19. The lease required a six-vote supermajority.
Crown Hydro attorney Peter Grills wrote FERC June 10 that the Park Board site remains the "preferred location" and project backers would seek a lease the Park Board could accept. The company would also investigate whether it could acquire the Mill Ruins site through
eminent domain -- taking the land for a public purpose.
Grills' letter said FERC had earlier concluded that Crown Hydro could not use eminent domain, but the company would do more research on the issue.
Crown Hydro is reviewing other options including developing a project with Xcel, in conjunction with Xcel's existing east bank hydroelectric plant. Crown Hydro's west bank project received a $5.1 million grant from Xcel's Renewable Energy Fund and, according to the letter, has spent $1.4 million.
Crown Hydro would also examine the possibility of developing the project in the Crown Roller Mill Building, 150 5th Ave. S., where it already has an approved license, Grills' letter said.
"We are regrouping and looking at our options," he said in an interview.