AEA conducts meetings on Susitna River hydro project.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Inside Alaska Business

The Alaska Energy Authority plans conduct public workshops in February on the Railbelt Large Hydroelectric Project. Information on the project is available on the AEA Web site, www.akenergyauthority.org. Comments can be e-mailed to largehydro@aidea.org. In late 2010, the AEA recommended the Low Watana site on the Susitna River as the proposed primary hydroelectric project. The Chakachamna Project was listed as an alternative project. Also in 2010, the Alaska Legislature provided funding for AEA for the preliminary planning, design, permitting and field work for the Susitna and Chakachamna Projects.

"Our goal has been to identify the project that has the best chance of being built," said Mike Harper, AEA acting executive director. "A large hydroelectric project for the Railbelt should not only provide cost-effective, reliable...