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.

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.

31 Jul 2014

Red Rock North Tailwater Area to be Closed During Construction of Hydroelectric Plant

The North Tailwater area near the Red Rock Dam will be closed to the public beginning Aug. 4 to enable construction of hydroelectric facilities at the Dam. The closure will extend until construction of the project is completed in the spring of 2018. The closure will include the North Tailwater Recreation Area of Lake Red Rock, and a section of the Volksweg Trail from Howell Station Campground to North Overlook Picnic Area in that vicinity.

30 Mar 2014

Red Rock Hydroelectric Project developers choose construction firm

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Boards of Directors of Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) have approved moving forward with the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project and have chosen Ames Construction, Inc., as the general contractor. The hydroelectric plant will be built at the existing Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River near Pella, Iowa. With a nameplate capacity of 36.4 megawatts, it will be the second largest hydroelectric plant in the State of Iowa. It will be capable of meeting the electrical needs of about 18,000 homes. At certain times of the year, when water is plentiful, the plant will be capable of generating up to 55 megawatts of power. “Since we first announced our intentions to build the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project in 2011, we have been working our way through an intense, time-consuming regulatory process with state and federal agencies,” said MRES CEO Tom Heller.