$27 Million in Road and Bridge Projects Ahead

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 4.

Transmission Line

Drew Janke, an environmental compliance specialist with Minnesota Power, provided an update on the Maple River to Cuyuna 345 kV Transmission Line Project. This joint initiative by Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Great River Energy proposes to construct an approximately 160-mile-long, single-circuit 345 kV transmission line on double-circuit capable structures. The line will extend from Minnesota Power’s Cuyuna Substation near Riverton, Minnesota, to Otter Tail Power Company’s Maple River Substation in eastern North Dakota. It will pass through Wadena County, following existing transmission line corridors whenever possible.

The project aims to enhance reliability as electricity usage and production evolve, increase system capacity to meet growing electrical demand, improve resilience during extreme weather events, and facilitate cost-effective regional energy transfers to support efficient grid operations.

Construction is expected to begin between 2029 and 2032, with anticipated service starting in 2033.

The project team is currently working on obtaining necessary certificates and permits, coordinating with federal, state, local, and tribal governments regarding the proposed routes, and gathering public input through open houses and their website. Several studies will be conducted, ranging from geotechnical assessments to evaluations of protected species.

The planned design for the transmission line features tubular monopoles, although lattice towers may be utilized depending on soil conditions...

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