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Rural Co-operative Power Association at Elk River in 1960. Photo: MHS. <br />In 1951 a coal and oil burning plant was built by the Rural Co-operative Power Association <br />to generate energy for northern and central Minnesota. Construction of a nuclear <br />reactor began in 1958 and the first electricity was generated in 1963. The plant was <br />decommissioned in 1968. Today the Great River Energy Corporation operates a refuse <br />burning power plant at the site. <br />(Other Industries: gravel, mineral water, concrete plant) <br />Preservation Planning Summary: <br />Commerce and Industry <br />Inventoried Resources <br />Previous inventories have not documented much of the industrial and commercial <br />history of Elk River. The current Phase II study of the commercial district inventoried <br />commercial properties. <br />There appear to be no standing structures associated with mills, but remnants of dams, <br />foundations, and other structures remain. The extant grain elevator on Highway 10 is a <br />significant feature of the early twentieth century transportation and agricultural history <br />of the city. <br />Recommendation(s) <br />1. Conduct an inventory of commercial properties north of Highway 10. Early millsites <br />should also be documented. <br />2. Wherever possible, retain and rehabilitate Elk River's remaining historic commercial <br />and industrial buildings. <br />Elk River Historic Contexts Study Draft 4/2002 <br />28 <br />li <br />