The Alaska Energy Authority has postponed filing the Preliminary Application Document for the Susitna Watana Dam while it negotiates with State and Federal Agencies to outline the studies and workflow of the massive hydro-electric project.

The Preliminary Application Document, or PAD, identifies project details, resources and anticipated impacts of the proposed Susitna Dam, and establishes a series of strict deadlines for the licensing process. Once the PAD is filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, it starts the clock on the project, establishing a strict timeline in which studies, scoping, and hearings must all be completed. The AEA originally planned to file the PAD in November, but multiple State and Federal agencies said the timeframe wouldn’t allow them time to complete studies of the proposed Dam’s impact. (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather forecast, Denali echoes, and announcements for October 10th. Host is Ann Yadon. Susitna Area Management Plan (SMAP) Lawsuit, Susitna Dam opposition.

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In last week’s advisory ballot, voters told the Talkeetna Community Council they oppose the construction of the Susitna-Watana dam by a vote of 109 to 19. Now the question remains, ‘so what happens next?’

Opponents of constructing the dam on the Susitna have scored a small victory, but they still face challenges in a decision process that is being fast-tracked by state and federal agencies. (more…)

KTNA’s morning news, weather forecast, Denali echoes, and announcements for October 10th. Host is Trisha Costello. Susitna-Watana Dam Vote (Ellen Lockyer / APRN)

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The residents of Talkeetna, Chase, Susitna and Trapper Creek might be the only ones in the state who have a chance to sit one and one with the Federal Regulatory Commission, Alaska Energy Authority and other engineers to discuss the future of the Susitna Dam.  Over 50 residents packed into downtown Talkeetna Monday afternoon to ask questions about the upcoming licensing process for the proposed Susitna Dam and were the first to hear about the licensing process and future studies.  Sue Deyoe was at the meeting and filed this report…

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A team of 8 individuals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Alaska Energy Authority fielded questions for 2 and a half hours in front of a crowded community arts center in downtown Talkeetna. (more…)

Governor Sean Parnell held a press conference on Monday to give an update on the progress of the Susitna Dam project that is headed to the FERC licensing process.

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Listen to the entire press conference and questions (about 27 minutes; question period is poorer audio)

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Governor Sean Parnell signed Senate Bill 42 into law today (thurs).  The bill is legislation that makes it possible for the Susitna Dam hydro electric project to move forward.

Parnell believes the dam project will provide a much needed supply of renewable evergy for homes and businesses.  He says it’s the key to meeting the targe of 50 percent of electricity generation through renewable energy by 2025.

SB 42 passed thru the legislature unanimously in April after spending a couple of months in committee debate.  It was one of very few bills that passed this legislative session.

The Susitna Dam committee of the Talkeetna Community council hopes to start public meetings in September with the Alaska Energy Authority on the questions concerning the hydro project.

The Susitna Dam committee of the Talkeetna Community Council made some headway this week in a meeting with Representative Mark Neuman’s Chief of Staff.   Rex Shattuck showed up unexpectedly at the committee meeting and spent two hours with the committee discussing issues and concerns surrounding the proposed project. (more…)

The Alaska Legislature finally adjourned late Saturday evening.  Governor Sean Parnell received a capital budget for 2012 that totals $3.2 Billion.

This year’s regular 90-day session was immediately followed by a 27- day special session that involved a number of disputes about energy projects and coastal zone management.  In the end, the Coastal Zone Management plan was not reauthorized. (more…)