Crown Hydro Update
Crown Hydro, the risky and controversial project that would put the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board into the utility business, is slated to be back on the Park Board agenda at the December 19 meeting.
BACKGROUND
Investor Bill Hawks, through his company Crown Hydro, is again proposing to build a power plant on Minneapolis parkland. This project would divert water from the historic St. Anthony Falls, altering the aesthetics of the Falls. The Falls are the centerpiece of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and a major tourist attraction.
When this project came before the previous Park Board in 2004, it was killed. But through some questionable procedural tactics at the November 7 and December 5, 2007, meetings, supporters of Crown Hydro have slipped it into play again. At the November 7 meeting when Crown Hydro was allowed to make its presentation, opponents of Crown Hydro were not allowed to speak.
During 2006, Crown Hydro spent $80,000 on lobbying costs to promote this project. Park Board Commissioners who are advocates of this project are Bob Fine, Carol Kummer and Board President Jon Olson.
THE INCENTIVES
Because the Crown Hydro power plant would be providing renewable energy, Crown Hydro investors will receive a lucrative subsidy of $5,100,000.
WHO WILL PAY?
All of us Minnesota X-cel energy users, who are already contributing to this subsidy every month when we pay our X-cel utility bills. Look on your bill for "Resource Adjustment."
ENVIRONMENTALIST OR OPPORTUNIST?
So what is the motivating factor here? Is it a commitment to alternative energy and environmental stewardship? And is this commitment supported by a congruent lifestyle? In other words, is the man behind Crown Hydro walking the talk -- or just talking the talk?
Here are some thought provoking facts:
The Lake Minnetonka estate owned by Bill Hawks encompasses three parcels of land and is valued at approximately $8,345,000. Located at 3465 County Road 44 in Minnetrista, it is called the Hawks' Nest Addition; annual taxes on the property are approximately $85,000. Square footage of the main house is 12,317 square feet. Aerial views show a massive multi-storied faux castle-like structure. It does not appear to be the residence of someone who has concerns about his own carbon footprint.
This estate was in the news last year when Bill Hawks and his wife hosted a fund raiser for Michele Bachmann with featured guest Vice-President Dick Cheney.
THE QUESTION
Will our Park Board move forward on leasing our parkland to a profit-making business so that it can be used for a questionable, non-park related purpose that could possibly damage or destroy our historic St. Anthony Falls? There are no guarantees for a project like this.
On Wednesday we should know. The meeting will be broadcast live on cable channel 14 beginning at 5 p.m.
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Comments
If what the public wants is more "renewable" hydro power, they could simply grant Xcel Energy the right to use the additional water -- that Crown Hydro will use for this project -- at Xcel's hydro power plant at St. Anthony Falls on the other side of the river. No need to build anything. No need to divert millions of rate payer and tax payer dollars to an already wealthy man.
Posted by webmaster | Sat, 12/15/2007 - 4:26pm | Login to post comments