Great River Energy describes easement, construction timelines for Northland Reliability project
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Summary
Great River Energy officials told Benton County commissioners the 180-mile Northland Reliability transmission project is moving into phase 2 design and easement acquisition, with construction and preconstruction activities starting in Benton County this year and continuing through 2028; about 85% of Benton County landowners participated in the company's initial easement option program, the company said.
Matt Hageland, supervising manager of land rights at Great River Energy, told Benton County commissioners the Northland Reliability Project has advanced into construction and is moving into phase 2 design, which will bring increased activity into Benton County.
"We have begun working and constructing in Sherburne County and actually just came into Benton County as well," Hageland said, summarizing the project as a roughly 180-mile transmission-line rebuild divided into three phases. He said phase 1 construction began in Sherburne County, phase 2 will extend through Benton County into the Cuyuna Series Compensation Station area, and phase 3 will continue north toward Grand Rapids.
Hageland said the project is approaching a 60% design milestone for phase 2, which typically prompts creation of easement exhibits and more detailed right-of-way work. "We're kind of at that option for easement phase," he told the board, adding that "85 percent of the people within Benton County did participate in that option for easement program." He said that will leave about 15% of properties for which the company will need to finalize easement documents and continue negotiations.
Hageland walked through expected preconstruction activities residents might see this summer: staking structure locations, surveys, soil borings (which he said have already been completed), clearing within the 150-foot easement, mat roads to move equipment and temporary access points. He warned of increased traffic, noise, clearing and the possibility that some work may go beyond the typical 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. window when crews must finish critical tasks such as foundation pours.
Cody Dirks, identified by Hageland as the project's land-rights acquisition project manager and the primary point of contact for landowners, said he's meeting with townships and working on road-use agreements and other administrative permitting steps at the county and township levels.
Commissioners asked about communications and permitting. Hageland said project updates and an interactive map are posted on the company website and recommended residents provide email addresses for targeted communications. "Myself and Cody are here to help if there's a constituent that has any questions or concerns," he said.
Board members pressed for clarity about timing, road closures and coordination with townships and county staff. Hageland said crews will use flaggers and signage for lane closures and that the company will work through permitting and coordination with local jurisdictions.
What happens next: Hageland said easement exhibit work tied to the 60% design will proceed and that land agents will continue to engage property owners; commissioners asked staff to stay informed and to coordinate on permits and road-use agreements.
Provenance: Transcript presentation and Q&A, Benton County meeting (topic introduced SEG 259; discussion ends SEG 503).
