Durbin Announces Senate Approval Of Legislation To Extend Hydroelectric Project At Melvin Price Locks And Dam

Press Release

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the United States Senate approved legislation to authorize the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) to extend the license for the proposed hydroelectric power project at Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, IL. The legislation, sponsored by Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) and passed in the House of Representatives last month, will now go to President Obama for his signature.

"This project brings significant investment to the region and will create 125 new jobs over three years of construction," said Durbin. "It is also an important investment in the region's environmental future. I thank Congressman Costello for his efforts on this legislation in the House and look forward to seeing it signed into law."

An extension of the FERC license will allow Brookfield Renewable Power up to an additional six years to bring the hydroelectric power project online. FERC issued the original license for the project in 2005, but Brookfield Renewable Power didn't purchase the license until 2007. Since then, the company has been actively working to develop the project. Without the license extension, it could take a minimum of 7-10 years before a hydropower facility could be constructed at the location.

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