Construction is officially underway for the $390-million dollar Red Rock Hydroelectric Project.

The groundbreaking featured remarks from Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, Congressman Dave Loebsack, and Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy, who says this project can set a standard for renewable energy and infrastructure projects across the country. According to Bill Radio with Missouri River energy services, a project that has taken a lot of hard work to get off the ground. Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds says the amount of power generated will help keep energy costs low, and says that will help boost Iowa’s economy. Congressman Dave Loebsack says he had the chance to go through Pella and learn about some of the local impact of the project. The project, once completed, is expected to produce 36 megawatts of power, with the capacity to generate up to 55 megawatts during peak season. We have more about the groundbreaking on Let’s Talk Pella.