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New power line must be completed

Published 12:00pm Wednesday, August 1, 2007

It would be nice if a new 345,000-volt power line between Fargo and Monticello were not necessary.

However, since electrical suppliers in the region say it is necessary — and considering the projected population growth and the increased need for power per capita, it’s hard to doubt their contention – then it’s important that the project get completed.

Considering the series of new transmission lines would allow Otter Tail Power and other electric companies to tap into the wind energy resources in western Minnesota and the Dakotas, the benefits of the lines seem to far outweigh the negatives.

The line likely will run through parts of Otter Tail County. It is important that those charged with creating the line’s route look for opportunities to use existing utility line and highway routes, and to avoid sensitive environmental areas. Where it is necessary to move the line over private property, landowners should be involved in the process as soon as possible.

But the bottom line is, for the good of everyone, this line needs to get completed.