Crown Hydro Files for Extension / Pursues Eminent Domain
Here is the text of Crown Hydro's most recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filing:
September 9, 2004 VIA OVERNIGHT MAIL Ms. Magalie R. Salas Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street NE Washington, D.C. 20426
RE: Request for Extension of Time to File an Acceptable Conveyance of Project Property - Crown Hydro LLC Project No. 11175-016
Dear Ms. Salas:
This letter is written on behalf of Crown Hydro LLC ("Crown") to request an extension of time to secure acceptable conveyance of the project property from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ("MPRB"), in connection with the pending amendment application on the Crown Mill Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 11175. Crown's current deadline is September 11, 2004.
As expressed in the lint, it is Crown's desire to enter into an agreed upon conveyance from the MPRB (in the form of a lease). Since a lease is far from guaranteed, Crown has retained an attorney experienced in eminent domain to investigate all of our options in that respect.
Currently, with respect to eminent domain, Crown is investigating the accuracy of the MPRB letter dated August 18, 2003, with respect to the acquisition and designation of parklands prior to the effective date of the Federal Powers Act of 1992. In that respect, Crown is currently investigating the issue of whether or not the subject property was a "public park.., established under State or local law" prior to October 24, 1992. Crown has requested MPRB documents in correspondence dated July 2, 2004 and August 19, 2004, and is waiting for a time to review these documents.
Crown remains optimistic that the MPRB may revisit the issue and come to agree with Crown's view of the project as an asset to the community and the Minneapolis park system.
Crown Hydro remains committed to the project and respectfully requests an extension of time to acquire an acceptable conveyance of the subject property.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours, O'NEILL, GRILLS & O'NEILL, P.L.L.P. Richard J. Savelkoul rsavelkoul@ogolaw.com RJS:klm cc: FERC Service List