(PORTLAND, OR) -- 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 to www.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.
