Laserfiche WebLink
A.K <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> ity of / TO: Economic Development Authority <br /> lk • <br /> River FROM: Stephen Rohlf, BZ Administrator <br /> DATE: May 13, 1996 <br /> SUBJECT: Update on Sustainable City Showcase <br /> The selection committee for the Minnesota Environmental Initiative's <br /> "Energy Alley" project has narrowed down the candidates for the Sustainable <br /> City Showcase to nine cities in the state. Elk River is still very much in the <br /> running. Apparently the decision on which city is chosen will not be made <br /> until July. <br /> Since your last update on this subject the selection committee added an <br /> application form for the cities in contention. That application asks for letters <br /> of support for a city's nomination. So far we have received letters of support <br /> for Elk River's nomination from UPA, Anoka Electric, Elk River Municipal <br /> Utilities, and a resolution of support from the EDA. <br /> It has been recommended to us that we demonstrate a broad base of support <br /> from the community. To that end, a meeting to solicit letters of support is <br /> scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 1996 at City Hall starting at 4:00 PM. <br /> If anyone from the EDA wishes to come it would be appreciated. Staff has <br /> been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce regarding this meeting. <br /> Staff is concerned that NSP, an important sponsor of the Energy Alley <br /> project, will be reluctant to support a city's nomination if it is outside of their <br /> service territory. To counter this, we are seeking a letter of support from <br /> NRG, the RDF plant, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of NSP. We may, <br /> in the near future, recommend political action to overcome the NSP hurdle. <br /> A key component to our application would be a letter from a local utility <br /> indicating they would buy excess electricity from an industry powered by <br /> wind energy. Staff will be in contact with Elk River Municipal Utilities <br /> regarding this. <br /> I will be at Monday night's meeting to address this subject further. <br /> • <br /> s:\b&z\stever\suscty-3.doc <br /> 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br />