Voyageurs National Park Releases Floodplain Statement of Findings for Kettle Falls Power Line Replacement

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. - Voyageurs National Park has released a Floodplain Statement of Findings for a proposed project to replace an approximately 13-mile underwater power distribution line serving the Kettle Falls area of the park.

The project would replace an aging electrical cable and associated transformer boxes that connect the mainland to Kettle Falls. Installed in 1987, the existing system has reached the end of its service life and poses reliability and safety concerns. The transmission line supplies power to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, restaurant, and other concessioner-operated facilities that serve thousands of visitors each year.

The Floodplain Statement of Findings documents how the National Park Service evaluated potential flood impacts to park infrastructure and the alternatives to reduce risk. The proposed project would relocate electrical components out of the floodplain to improve safety, protect infrastructure, and ensure responsible investment in park facilities.

The statement is available for a 15-day public review period from Feb. 23 through March 10, 2026. The document can be found on the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KFElectric.

"The park looks forward to improving electrical service and the visitor experience at Kettle Falls while increasing the resilience of its infrastructure to flooding," said Brian Harmon, acting superintendent of Voyageurs National Park.

The project is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund and is expected to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, improve safety, and lower long-term maintenance costs.

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