Great River Energy outlines 180‑mile Northland Reliability transmission plan affecting Crow Wing County

Brian Hunker, representing Great River Energy, gave the board a detailed overview of the Northland Reliability Project, a roughly 180‑mile high‑voltage transmission proposal being advanced jointly by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power. “Phase 2 of the project extends from the Cherry Park Substation north to the Cuyuna Series Compensation Station,” Hunker said, and he described an anticipated schedule with staking and some preconstruction activity beginning in September 2026 and Phase 3 work starting in 2027.

Hunker said the company has begun easement outreach and right‑of‑way staking in Crow Wing County and expects to present easement exhibits and compensation offers to landowners beginning in mid‑May and extending into June for the Phase 2 area. He listed likely community impacts during construction — tree removal, matting of work areas, heavy trucks including concrete vehicles, signage and intermittent lane closures — and described plans for laydown yards (preferring existing gravel pits) and conditional‑use permitting for any yard needing access roads.

Commissioners asked the presenters to continue direct communication with landowners and requested a main contact card for constituents to use; Hunker said he would leave contact information with the county administrator and confirmed the project team’s land‑rights staff will meet with property owners.

The presentation did not include a board vote; commissioners asked for continued outreach and contact information to be provided to county staff.