Construction Commences Amid Legal Tussles

In the serene backdrop of a Mississippi River wildlife refuge, utility giants ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative have embarked on a significant project—installing the final stretch of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line. This last mile of construction, unfolding near Cassville, Wisconsin, is part of a larger 102-mile initiative aimed at connecting Dubuque County in Iowa with Dane County in Wisconsin.

Legal Challenges and Environmental Concerns

The project has not been without its detractors. A coalition of environmental groups previously managed to secure a temporary halt through a preliminary injunction, arguing that the construction would irreversibly harm the natural habitat. Although this injunction was temporarily overridden by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on May 7, allowing construction to proceed, the issue remains contentious.

The groups have continued their legal challenge, seeking another injunction to stop further development, highlighting ongoing environmental concerns. During a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge William Conley expressed his worries about potential damage to the refuge but acknowledged the inevitability of the project’s completion and its associated impacts.

Moving Forward

Construction activity is gaining momentum, with plans to begin pouring the foundations for the power line towers by the end of May. This progress comes amidst a backdrop of legal and environmental debates, underlining the complex balance between development needs and conservation efforts.