ACP Pubs

A proposed coal plant in Milbank, South Dakota, near the Minnesota border, was struck down by two Minnesota administrative law judges on Friday, May 9. They said that the Big Stone II partnership didn't prove that transmission lines were needed and didn't show that less expensive conservation measure and renewable energy could not meet demand for additional electricity for South Dakota and Minnesota.

Environmental groups claim that burning coal contributes to global warming and carbon emissions that impose higher costs in the future. Apparently, the utilities that formed the partnership didn't demonstrate that they considered other possibilities to obtain power from renewable resources. And, these groups point to the poor investment in coal-fired plants because pollution cleanup would cost much more in the future.

How does this decision affect the Construction Bu...Read More

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I must not forget that some projects are under construction in North and South Dakota, such as ethanol plants and wind mill farms.  Both states are very quiet; they don't have the financial problems that are overtaking Minnesota. Perhaps they can give lessons on how to stay in fiscal shape and avoid controversy on any project. 

On the other hand, no Interstate bridge fell killing people, roads did not sink, and buildings did not collapse in either state. South Dakota is repairing roads statewide; North Dakota's major project, the Memorial Bridge, is progressing well.

With a new DOT commissioner in Minnesota, we'd like to see this department run smoothly and conduct itself professionally. 

How do North and South Dakota avoid any publicity? Residents of the Dakotas, please tell me and please tell the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

 

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Energy is a much debated topic currently because of oil prices. In the Construction Bulletin region--Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota--alternative energy is a hot topic because of the potential of ethanol. 

However, critics point to the downside of ethanol, such as the land required to grow corn, the loss of trees and plants to absorb carbon, and even the ethanol plants that will create emissions.

What are your thoughts about how this region can produce more energy?

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I'm the editor of Construction Bulletin. I'd like to find out what readers think of the articles geared toward contractors but also to people interested in construction-related news. Articles cover assigned topics in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota on a rotating basis. You can read the major story online, if you wish.

I've also written weekly updates on the I-35W bridge for those who want to read current news with the construction and what politicians are doing to help the project. Click on the links at the bottom of the Construction Bulletin page. Of course, this is topic du jour in the local construction community.

Many viewpoints in the articles are not mine. I want to include other perspectives that contractors and people in the Upper Midwest share and want to express.&nb...Read More

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