Comments show support of hydroelectric dam in Juneau

Federal, state and local agencies haven’t found any major obstacles to a plan to build a hydroelectric dam on Sweetheart Creek southeast of Juneau.

The Juneau Empire reports that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released a draft environment impact for the project in October. Tuesday was the last day for officials and the public to give feedback on the document.

Juneau Hydropower Inc. Director Duff Mitchell said by phone Wednesday that the comments only found minor problems with the project. He says there seems to be a lot of support for the dam, which aims to provide additional electrical reliability to meet the city’s growing demand.

The most significant comment came from Alaska Electric Light and Power, which questioned the need for the project. The company doubts the predictions of rising electric demand.

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