Concerns About Satellite Station in Wright County

(Rockford Township) Wright County commissioners are raising concerns over plans by SpaceX and Starlink to build a satellite ground station in Rockford Township. Ground stations are used to track satellites.

According to a press release, commissioners last week said the project has moved forward without local permits, public hearings, or adequate notification to residents.

They say the Federal Communications Commission has jurisdiction over the project, allowing the satellite equipment to be installed without local government approval.

Commissioner Nadine Schoen says officials have been asking questions since May, but answers have been slow to come.

The commissioners have also raised safety and property concerns and recently brought the issue to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

Schoen said “Right now, there are so many more questions than there are answers.” Adding “There are going to be trucks rolling into Wright County and this ground station will be up and running in two days. Where is the public safety component that we require for any land use in our townships? There are no guardrails in place at all. These residents have a right to be heard – and heard before the project is up and running, not after.”

Click here to see the complete press release.