Final Segment of Cardinal-Hickory Creek Power Line Under Construction

Utility companies have started construction on a contentious power line crossing in a Mississippi River wildlife refuge. ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative are looking to string the final mile (1.6 kilometers) of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line across the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge near Cassville, Wisconsin. When finished, the 102-mile (164 kilometer) line will link Iowa’s Dubuque County and Wisconsin’s Dane County. The utilities said in a joint statement that preliminary construction work began Monday with tower footings slated to be poured the week of May 27. The conservationists have asked for another preliminary injunction. U.S. District Judge Michael Conley held a hearing on the request Tuesday but didn’t rule on it. He said he remains concerned about damage the line could cause to the refuge but the reality is the line will be completed and cause damage somewhere.