Portland, Ore. – The Bonneville Power Administration invites members of the public to comment on a proposed transmission line rebuild between Coulee Dam in Grant County and Creston in Lincoln County, Wash. Public comments can help identify issues that should be addressed in the project’s Environmental Assessment.
The 28-mile Grand Coulee to Creston 115-kV line has aged over the decades since it was built in 1941. Although routine maintenance has been performed on the line, all the wood poles and conductor need to be replaced due to rot and deterioration. The proposed project would also require developing temporary access roads and improving existing access roads.
The proposed rebuild is part of BPA’s commitment to maintain reliable electrical service and to reduce potential safety risks to the public and work crews. By rebuilding aging transmission lines when needed, BPA preserves the value of its transmission system, much of which is now more than 70 years old. If BPA chooses to proceed with the proposed project, construction would begin in the summer of 2015.
“Our project team looks forward to talking to local residents,” said project manager Erich Orth. “Feedback from the public guides the development of the EA. Findings from the EA will determine whether BPA will proceed with the project, or whether it is necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.”
At the public meetings, community members can ask questions, voice concerns and share local knowledge about the potential impacts the EA should address. This review provides the information needed to make well-informed decisions.
Public meetings will be held at the following locations:
| Jan. 9, 2013 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Coulee Dam Town Hall 300 Lincoln Ave. Coulee Dam, WA 99116 |
Jan. 10, 2013 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wilbur Community Center 5 SW Railroad Ave. Wilbur, WA 99185 |
Residents who cannot attend the meetings can learn about the proposed transmission upgrade at: www.bpa.gov/goto/CouleeCrestonRebuild. Or, send comments towww.bpa.gov/comment. Please submit comments either online or by phone at 800-622-4519 by Jan. 24, 2013 and reference Coulee to Creston Transmission Line Rebuild Project.
About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
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