Hydro Power in Ann Arbor?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it is strongly considering adding hydroelectricity capabilities at Argo Dam, shown here, as well as at Geddes Dam further downstream, giving hope to proponents of saving Argo Dam.

Ann Arbor.com reported today that

Jeffrey Means, energy manager for the VA's Veterans Integrated Service Network based in Ann Arbor, sent a letter to Mayor John Hieftje and City Council members on Friday. In it, he expressed the VA's interest in using the two dams to power the nearby VA hospital on Fuller Road.

"The VA has determined that the project concept has some value and has taken some steps to determine if the VA believes this project merits funding," Means said, adding the decision will be made by VA officials in Washington, D.C. "VA lawyers and Army Corps of Engineers lawyers are working on this project now to determine if the VA should move forward."

The VA commissioned a study through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the feasibility and economic benefits of installing hydroelectric power stations at Argo and Geddes — dams that started their lives nearly a century ago and once provided hydropower. The study was completed in late September, validating a previous study commissioned by the city.

See full story here http://www.annarbor.com/news/feds-considering-installing-hydropower-stations-at-argo-and-geddes-dams-in-ann-arbor/

Interesting.  Does anybody know if the wind turbines on top of the VA center work?  It seems that everytime I bike past there, the turbines are standing still.

Astrid