Here are some of my thoughts concerning The Gregory County Pumped Storage meeting on January 25 in Burke, SD sponsored by MidAmerica Energy and Missouri River Energy Services.

East and West River communities were well represented at both meetings (afternoon and evening). A lot of questions, but not a lot of answers. One attendee said it was all “Smoke and Mirrors” What are they doing about erosion, sloping, and hillsides?

There’s a study. What about taxes for school districts and counties?

They will get some money... not sure when or how much, but there is a study.

How many workers and where’s the housing for all these workers and their families? They told us in the afternoon meeting there would be approx. 1,000 workers and their families.

There’s a study on that. How will they plan for the fluctuating of 13 inches of water for such events as ice fishing, ice flow and ice jamming?

There’s a study for that. What about eminent domain. They don’t want to, but yes they can take our land by eminent domain. This is another loss of our freedom. Is socialism far behind.

Wind tower and solar panels. ”At this time “they do not plan on installing wind towers or solar panels for this project, but that doesn’t mean other companies won’t come in and connect to the power lines.

Can they come on our land without permission for these studies?

No, they have to have written permission to come on your land.

Is Warren Buffett involved financially with this project?

YES Will the smell of diesel fuel and big machines running 24/7 for 5-6 years put our health in jeopardy?

There’s a study for that. They have hired 2 realtors from Sioux Falls to try to buy our land. Beware, they have already started making phone calls! We need to stick together as a community, East and West River. “Just Say No” and fight to save our beautiful land.

This monstrosity will ruin our river as we know it. Who wants to fish, boat or water ski in turbulent, murky water? Who wants to camp near this eyesore with its constant noise and lit up like a prison? They are ramming this project down our throats and forcing us to give up our land and our rights. We did not ask them to come here.

We have an obligation to save our land and river. Who’s better at fulfilling that obligation than the people who have lived here for generations or MN company that wants to ruin this land and river?

A Worried Citizen Susan Chytka Burke, SD