Peterson Announces Investment in Fergus Falls Planning Efforts

Congressman Collin C. Peterson today announced a $55,000 investment to assist Fergus Falls in planning for future changes associated with Otter Tail Power Company’s Hoot Lake Power Plant closure scheduled for 2021.
 
“This investment will allow the City of Fergus Falls and its partners to study the financial, environmental and land use impacts of the plant closure,” Peterson said. “These studies, which cover a large geographic footprint, will help the City and other stakeholders partner with the utility as it identifies mutually beneficial development opportunities for the plant site, which sits within the larger footprint.”
 
"Fergus Falls appreciates the support from Representative Peterson, along with the many others, who helped secure the funding,” said Amy Baldwin, Executive Director of the Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission. “These planning activities will help ensure that Fergus Falls is prepared for coming changes.”
 
The funding was made available through the Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. In August, Peterson sent a letter to the Commerce Department in support of the Fergus Falls application.