12-4-2000

Rural residents against power line

By Ron Brochu
News Tribune staff writer

James Leusman fears his employees will face a greater risk of explosion when refueling heavy equipment at his Solon Springs construction company. Joseph P. Kimmes is concerned about the health of his pure-bred beef cattle and horses in Superior Township. And certified assessor Deana Bates of Wascott foresees sharply reduced property values.

They were among more than 100 people who testified or submitted statements in Superior Monday on the proposed 345-kilovolt Arrowhead-Weston power line extension. Like prior public hearings, Monday's hearing was dominated by opponents -- with only about five in favor of the line.

Two speakers began the session by endorsing the 250-mile project, proposed by Minnesota Power Co. and Wisconsin Public Service Corp.

The endorsements were given by Erin Roth and Steve Hanson, both representing the Wisconsin Environmental Coalition of Labor and Industry. WECLI has 40 members representing industries and their labor unions.

``We recognize this state will face an energy crisis within the next five years. Unless we do something, Wisconsin's economy will suffer, and we could see significant job losses,'' said Roth, executive director of the Wisconsin Petroleum Council.

``Labor has a big interest in this power line. Our interest is jobs. We view this as any other infrastructure improvement, such as a highway or airport,'' said Hanson, representing Local 305 of the International Union of Operating Engineers at Murphy Oil USA Corp.

Hanson, a former Superior city councilor and Douglas County Board supervisor, had lobbied for the U.S. Highway 53 widening project, which was criticized for displacing wetlands and threatening wolf habitat.

``I'm sure there will be a lot of environmentally sensitive issues in connection with the power line. Hopefully, we can work through them just as we did with Highway 53,'' he said.

State Rep. Frank Boyle, D-Amnicon Lake, challenged the comparison, saying U.S. 53 was a public project constructed to serve the common good, while the power line primarily benefits its sponsors.

``Why should residents of northern Wisconsin be imposed upon by a for-profit, big bucks company?'' he asked.

Other opponents, however, primarily addressed the impact upon their personal lives.

``My son is autistic, and he can hear power moving through the line. This would make it intolerable. This is child abuse,'' Ken Jones of South Range said.

James White of Hawthorne said the proposed power line has rendered 40 acres of family property impossible to sell.

``The people of northern Wisconsin will suffer the greatest hardship but will receive the smallest benefit,'' said State Sen. Robert Jauch, D-Poplar.

The hearing resumes at 9 a.m. today in the Billings Park Club, 3903 N. 18th St., Superior.

Minnesota Power will present its position at technical hearings scheduled to begin Jan. 3 in Madison, said Deb Amberg, the corporation's senior attorney. PSC commissioners are expected to announce a decision by spring or early summer 2001.

Ron Brochu covers Wisconsin business news and the Port of Duluth-Superior. He can be reached weekdays at (218) 279-5502 or (877) 269-9672. or by e-mail at rbrochu@duluthsuperior.com

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