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Hydro electric dams in Central Minnesota

The Blanchard dam on the Mississippi, near Bowlus, is one of four nearly century old hydroelectric dams that Minnesota Power operates in Minnesota Senate District 9 here in Central Minnesota. There are two on the Crow Wing River. One of those is just outside of Pillager and the other is in Camp Ripley. Then there are also two on the Mississippi. One in Little Falls and the Blanchard dam is to the south of Little Falls.

Blanchard Dam - Photo by Jan King


The dams are licensed to Minnesota Power by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Since the rivers belong to all of us, F.E.R.C. requires Minnesota Power to provide both access to the rivers near the dams as well as recreational opportunities. I spoke to Chris Rousseau, Manager of Minnesota Powers Hydro Operations this summer. Here's what he said:
"The recreational opportunities we provide across our hydro system are in place to provide the public with an opportunity to use and enjoy the land and water associated with our hydro system. Minnesota Power’s hydroelectric projects are all regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which issues MP a long term operating license for each project. Following World War 1, available leisure time for American’s increased due to reduced work weeks. This fact coupled with the mass production of automobiles led to a dramatic increase in the demand for public recreation opportunities. In 1935, the Federal Water Power Act was amended to have recreation included as a “beneficial public use” when evaluating hydro projects. Flash forward to present day and you will find that Minnesota Power offers a wide range of recreational opportunities associated with our hydro facilities both during summer and winter seasons. This past winter Minnesota Power agreed to host a FERC winter recreation workshop that was attended by company’s across the country that own hydro assets. MP was able to specifically show case our winter recreation resources and the recreation facilities we provide to the public during what many other company’s consider “off peak season”.  We are proud of the opportunities we are able to provide to our customers and the region.”
In my opinion neither the Blanchard nor the Pillager dams offer decent recreational access for ordinary of disabled people. Minnesota Power could do better by the people in Central Minnesota and Senate District 9.

See more on Minnesota Power hydroelectric dams here  http://mphydro.com


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