Superior Plan Commission Votes on Energy Center Requests

The Superior Plan Commission met on Wednesday to vote on requests regarding the Nemadji Trail Energy Center project.

The organization proposing the project, Minnesota Power, requested that the proposed property for the energy center be rezoned, for street vacation on undeveloped roads nearby, and to reopen the City of Superior’s comprehensive plan which would have triggered a resolution for a public hearing.

All three requests were denied by the Superior Plan Commission.

Commissioners Brent Fennessey and Anne Porter voted in favor of the requests, with Commissioners Garner Moffat, Brian Finstad, Lindsey Graskey, and Mayor Jim Paine voting against. Mayor Paine has been an outspoken critic of the project due to its proposed proximity to a residential area. He argues the city shouldn’t sell out the health and safety of residents for the project.

While some regulatory bodies involved in the project have given the project the green light, agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency have not come to a consensus on it.

Many Superior residents have also been at odds over the project. As previously reported, some residents have even taken to holding rallies both in support of and arguing against the project. One rally included union workers who could be involved in the construction along with friends and family.

The Energy Center would be hosted on 26 acres of land near the Enbridge Energy offices along Highway 53. The City Council will discuss the project at its meeting on April 3rd with consideration to the Plan Commission’s denials this week.