AEA chooses Susitna dam project

According to KTNA-FM (Talkeetna, via APRN), the Alaska Energy Authority announced Wednesday that it is giving support and recommendation for the Lower Watana Dam project on the Susitna River instead of the Chakachamna Project. The AEA has been evaluating those two projects primarily, among others, to determine the most likely one in order to address potential electric utility problems along the railbelt and to help reach a state goal regarding alternative and renewable power generation. AEA concluded that the Susitna project would produce more energy at a lower per-unit cost, have a smaller environmental impact, and would have fewer permitting requirements than the Chakachamna dam. Governor Sean Parnell has issued a statement giving his support to the AEA's decision. Listen to much, much more, here.