Agenda - Council - 06/25/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line March 2012 Environmental Assessment Based upon the conclusions from the evaluated studies, the presence of transmission wires and poles is not always indicative of a reduction in residential property value. Other factors may influence an individual's perception of the overall value and thus, in turn, the market value of a property. Furthermore, impacts on property values from the transmission lines likely would vary throughout the Project area, since no two properties have the same characteristics. Mitigation — Property Values Direct impacts to property values would be mitigated through landowner compensation for the use of their land through easement payments. When property easements are needed the Applicant would work with individual landowners to provide just compensation for property easements; the ROW representative would contact the owners of each parcel to discuss the construction schedule and construction requirements, as well as activities to occur after construction. 5.3.3. Land -Based Economies Land -based economies in the project area consist primarily of tourism. There are no agricultural lands along the Project route, no mineable resources within the Project route, and no forested lands used to harvest forest resources along the Project route. No impacts are anticipated for agricultural, mining or forestry operations as a result of this Project, therefore no mitigation measures are proposed. Tourism in the Anoka County consists primarily of antique shopping, golfing, fishing, boating, and participating in local festivals. The proposed transmission line Route is dominated by industrial and commercial facilities with some adjacent residential properties. The transmission line will cross the Rum River at River Bend Park in the city of Ramsey, which is primarily used by the local population for short-term recreational activities. Mitigation — Land -Based Economies The Applicant has stated it will work with the city of Ramsey parks staff to locate and construct the transmission line to minimize visual impacts to River Bend Park and avoid limiting activities within the park. 5.3.4. Zoning and Compatibility with Planning Although a Route Permit issued by the Commission supersedes any local zoning, building, and land use regulations, the new 115-kV transmission line does not represent an incompatible land use with those that exist in the area. Therefore, anticipated impacts of the proposed Project on land use are minimal and no mitigation measures are proposed. Potential land use impacts along the Proposed Route due to the 115-kV transmission line will be limited. The Proposed Route for the 115-kV transmission line will be approximately 5.8 miles long and will overtake existing distribution lineright-of- way and parallel roadright-of-way as much as possible. 56