Bemidji-Grand Rapids power line project receives approval

Posted at 8:41 AM on November 1, 2010 by Tom Robertson
Filed under: Arrowhead, Environment, Government, Northwest Minnesota

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved a route permit for a 230-kilowatt line that will run just west of Bemidji to Grand Rapids.

The line is the third CapX2020 project to receive approval. CapX2020 is a joint initiative of 11 regional power companies to upgrade and expand the electrical transmission grid. It's said to be the largest such upgrade in the Upper Midwest in 30 years. The effort broad effort is expected to cost nearly $2 billion and cover a distance of more than 700 miles.

The Bemidji to Grand Rapids route is 68 miles long, running along U.S. Highway 2 from Cass Lake to Ball Club. It follows existing oil pipeline routes.

Construction will begin in January, and the line is expected to be completed by late 2012.