Utilities start work on power line crossing in Mississippi River wildlife refuge

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 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 line will link Iowa's Dubuqe County and Wisconsin's Dane County. Conservationists sued in March to block the refuge crossing, but a federal appellate court cleared the way for construction on May 7. 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.