Federal Officials Seek Public Input on Another Hydropower License Renewal
Published Date: 11/12/2026
Notice
Summary
International Falls Power Company wants to renew its license to run a hydroelectric project on the Rainy River in Minnesota. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts on how this project might affect the environment before deciding. If you care about clean energy or local nature, now’s the time to speak up—your input could shape the future of this power plant!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Lake levels to remain under 2018 rule curve
The applicant proposes to continue operating the International Falls Hydroelectric Project in accordance with the 2018 rule curve that regulates the level of Rainy Lake as prescribed by the International Joint Commission. The record shows Rainy Lake has a storage capacity of 1,545,482 acre-feet at elevation 1,108.1 feet mean sea level, and operations control flows through seven turbine-generators with a total installed capacity of 14.45 megawatts.
Project has no recreation facilities
The application states the project does not include any project recreation facilities. That means the project itself does not provide on-site public recreation amenities tied to the dam or powerhouse.
Applicant proposes cultural resources management plan
The applicant proposes to develop a cultural resources management plan as part of the relicensing proposal. The plan would address how cultural and historic resources at the project site are managed during project operations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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