28 Jul 2015

Panel of experts commends work at Red Rock Hydroelectric Project

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – An Independent Expert Peer Review Panel (IEPR) praised the work and diligence of the engineers, contractors, and Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) following an onsite review of the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project site June 20 – July 1. This was the IEPR’s second onsite review since construction of the project began. The first was in January.

18 Mar 2015

Intermittent road restrictions continue as hydro project progresses

The mild weather this week has allowed crews at the Red Rock Dam to continue working day and night to prepare the site for construction of a powerhouse and intake structure that will comprise the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project (RRHP). Short-term road closures, directed by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, will occur in the overnight hours every three to four days as crews move large rebar cages from the North Tailwater staging area to the construction area on the upstream side of the Dam. In addition, Highway T-15 will be restricted to one lane every three to four days to facilitate staging of the concrete trucks to ensure worker and public safety as the wall element sections are poured.

26 Feb 2015

Downstream work prepares for RRHP powerhouse construction

Construction continues at the Red Rock Dam where Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) will construct a new hydroelectric power plant. Much of the construction work being done is in preparation for construction of the powerhouse, which is expected to begin in summer 2015. On the downstream side of the Red Rock Dam, the construction of the cofferdam, which is located between the Des Moines River and the power plant site, is well underway. The construction of Cells #1 and #2 are largely complete, Cell #3 is being filled with sand, and the walls of Cell #4 are being installed.

22 Sep 2014

North Overlook Picnic Area to Close

The North Overlook Picnic Area is closed to public use effective Monday, September 22, 2014 until further notice. This closure also closes the trailhead access to the Volksweg Trail at this location, and the North Overlook Hiking Trail. The assembly of a large crane, future hydromill assembly and staging of equipment has necessitated the closure for construction on the Red Rock Hydropower Project.

13 Aug 2014

Missouri River Energy Services Officially Breaks Ground on Red Rock Hydroelectric Project

PELLA, Iowa – The official groundbreaking of the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project (RRHP) took place Aug. 13 at Lake Red Rock near Pella, Iowa. The project is a retrofit of an existing Army Corps of Engineers dam on the Des Moines River that will produce 36 megawatts of power, with the capacity to generate up to 55 megawatts during peak seasons; enough to power about 18,000 homes. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) is building the project, which is being financed by Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA). RRHP is expected to be completed in 2018, at which point it will be the second-largest hydropower facility in Iowa.

12 Aug 2014

T-15 will be down to one lane relating to construction of hydroelectric project

One lane of T-15 that crosses over the Red Rock Dam will be closed so that workers can safely widen that section of road in order to add a turning lane. The widened road and turning lane will give workers access to the future intake structure for the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project that will be constructed at the dam. Signage indicating the one-lane closure will be placed at each end of the dam. Traffic will be limited to one lane each weekday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, Aug. 19. It is hoped that the work will be completed by Friday, Aug. 28. Both lanes of the road will be open on Saturday and Sunday. The road will be completely closed later in the fall. Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), which is building the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project, will issue a notice prior to that closure. MRES also has developed a website at www.redrockhydroproject.com that will include up-to-date information about the project. For more information, contact MRES Director of Member and Public Relations Bill Radio, phone: 605-338-4042; e-mail: bill.radio@mrenergy.com.

23 Aug 2013

MRES awards contract for bike trail extension near Red Rock Dam

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In conjunction with its plans to build a hydroelectric facility at the Red Rock Dam in Marion County, Iowa, the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) Board of Directors approved a contract for construction of a 7,000-foot extension of the Volksweg Bike Trail near the dam.

19 Aug 2011

Missouri RiverEnergy Services Announces Plans to Build Hydro Facility

SIOUX FALLS , S.D. - Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) has announced its intent to proceed with