Crown Hydro Senate Bill Update

From Minneapolis Park Watch:

The following comments were offered during testimony on the Crown Hydro Bill in the Committee on Local Government at the Capitol today:

May 4, 2011

Re: SF 1191

Committee Members:

Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you today about Senate File 1191.

I believe that this bill usurps the authority of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board by attempting to compel the MPRB to transfer Park Board property to a private, for-profit entity that has not been able to allay Park Board and public concerns about the project's economic validity and negative impacts on the historic St. Anthony Falls and adjacent historic and cultural resources.

I have been attending Park Board meetings on a regular basis for over seven years now. I have been present at the many meetings at which Crown Hydro has been on the agenda. It was a frequent topic. If this project was one of unquestionable and apparent merit, it would have been approved long ago. Unfortunately, it remains a controversial and risky project. The Crown Hydro folks are asking you to do what the MPRB Commissioners, as stewards of our park system, have been unwilling to do. Please respect their decision-making authority. I urge you to vote against this irresponsible and embarrassing bill.

Thank you.

Arlene Fried Minneapolis MN