Utilities start work on transmission line crossing in Mississippi River wildlife refuge

ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative have started construction on the final mile of the contentious Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line where it crosses the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Cassville.

Associated Press

May 14, 2024 • Southwest Region

An aerial photo shows trees with mostly green and some yellow leaves, along with many with no leaves, on land located along the shores of and among different islands in the channels of a river, with tree covered bluffs on the opposite shore under a clear sky.

The Mississippi River is seen from overhead at Nelson Dewey State Park on Oct. 7, 2020, north of Cassville. Utilities said in a joint statement on May 7, 2024, that preliminary construction work began on the final mile of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line across the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Cassville. (Credit: PBS Wisconsin)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Utility companies have started construction on a contentious power line crossing in a Mississippi River wildlife refuge.

ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative are looking to string the final mile of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line across the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Cassville, Wisconsin. When finished, the 102-mile line will link Iowa’s Dubuqe County and Wisconsin’s Dane County.

A coalition of conservation groups sued in March to block the refuge crossing and won a preliminary injunction from U.S. District Judge William Conley. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the injunction on May 7, however, clearing the way for construction to begin. The utilities said in a joint statement that preliminary construction work began May 13 with tower footings slated to be poured the week of May 27.

The conservationists have asked Conley to issue another preliminary injunction. Conley held a hearing on the request on May 14 but didn’t rule on it. He said he remains concerned about damage the line could cause to the refuge but the reality is the line will be completed and cause damage somewhere.