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Legislature Approves Susitna Dam BillA bill passed unanimously by the Senate yesterday and approved unanimously by the House today increases the powers of the Alaska Energy Authority, clearing the way for the agency to submit a permit application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.Related Content
The Legislature has taken the first step toward fulfilling the longtime dream of a dam on the Susitna River. The bill, now on its way to Governor Sean Parnell for his signature, is something that all lawmakers agree on.
The Susitna Dam hydroelectric project was first proposed in the 1980s.
Today the House of Representatives finally took the first step toward getting the $5 billion project under way.
"I'm honored to be here today because I feel that we are making an historic step forward," said Rep. Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage. "We are going to act on a project that we have been discussing for 30 years and making the initial step in making this a reality."
A bill passed unanimously by the Senate yesterday and approved unanimously by the House today increases the powers of the Alaska Energy Authority, clearing the way for the agency to submit a permit application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
There is no guarantee that the dam ultimately will be constructed.
"We don't know whether the cost-benefit analysis will work," said Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage. "That is, we just don't know how expensive the energy will be from this project and how big a state subsidy will be required."
But lawmakers envision broad-ranging benefits for the state.
"Energy prices around the state will get more competitive -- electricity to oil to gas. Everything else will feel the impact," said Rep. David Guttenberg, D-Fairbanks. "And that goes right to cost, not just on the Railbelt but in rural Alaska, as well."
"We get a bonus, we get a 39-mile long lake that isn't there right now," said Rep. Carl Gatto, R-Palmer. "And my guess is that lake will have some pretty fun fishing, boating, cabins, lodges."
So on this occasion, instead of conflict, the dam bill was cause for celebration.
Funding related to the Susitna Dam is still pending in the capital budget bill. Governor Parnell has warned legislators he will use his line-item veto authority to trim that bill, but he favors the dam project.
Senators have included language intended to force the governor to veto that, as well, if he vetoes other energy projects.
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Casey said on Thursday, Apr 21 at 4:53 PM
Yeah, we need a dam on the wild waters because their are way too many salmon now. Hopefully this boondoggle will get through now that great Alaskans like Hammond are out of the way.
65483752Anonymous said on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 7:08 PM
My my Alaska might take a step forward Amazing.
65403207C. K. said on Wednesday, Apr 20 at 6:52 PM
Looks like the gov bullied the legislature....and, Gatto, I'm really amazed at the lake comment...This is wild Alaska (well, it used to be....)...too bad you're one of those trying to rape AK and make it like the48...Wish you and the other guys that voted for it would get a one way ticket outside...with the governor.
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