A new hydro plant proposed for Grant Lake could open the area up to recreational opportunities and further development. Homer Electric Association’s Mike Salzetti said a public comment period will open late this month…
Salzetti: “Some people do not want open access to it, where others would like to have that road in there to open up access to that particular area. So that’s where we’ll be interested in learning what the public feels about it and also what the other stakeholders, the government agencies and those individuals feel that should be managed on those state and U.S. Forest Service lands.”
The plant itself will be set back from public view…
Salzetti: “The powerhouse is located about halfway down the stream, so approximately a half mile from the outlet of Grant Creek and a half mile from the trail lake.”
Salzetti said the natural barriers mean there are no anadromous fish in Grant Lake, and therefore no substantial impact on wildlife.
The plant is projected to cost $59 million. Salzetti said they hope the savings and expenses level out over the life of the plant.
Salzetti: “But we are still analyzing that, and of course construction financing isn’t finalized at all. We need to get the permit to build it, the license to build the project and then all of the construction financing would be evaluated and then all of the construction financing would be evaluated, including the potential for grants or legislative appropriations as some of the other Alaskan projects have been able to garner.”
The plant will produce 19.5 gigawatt hours, a 4% increase in HEA’s total portfolio and a 40% increase in renewable power.