Minnesota Study Of Proposed Power Lines Due In March

WINONA (AP) -- A Minnesota study of proposed power lines crossing the Mississippi River won't be ready until March, two months later than expected.

State officials had hoped the draft statement would be released this month, but the work is taking longer than expected. According to recently released state documents, the report is now expected to be released March 21.

The draft environmental impact statement will look at the Minnesota portion of a proposed $450 million transmission project from Hampton, Minn., to La Crosse, Wis.

The proposed CapX2020 project includes 120 to 145 miles of 345-kilovolt lines and a 10-acre substation in Onalaska, Wis. Wisconsin and federal officials are also working on separate environmental impact statements on the project. But those documents also are expected to be delayed.

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