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Grant PUD Proposes New Transmission Line Interconnection
Informational Public Meetings Scheduled
June 16, 2009

EPHRATA, WA – Grant PUD is preparing to gather public input on a proposed 230 kilovolts (kV) transmission line that will connect Bonneville Power Administration’s Columbia Substation in Douglas County, south of Rock Island Dam, with Grant PUD’s Rocky Ford Substation.

The new line is needed to increase electric system reliability and provide capacity to deliver the hydroelectric project power that services Grant County’s electrical load.

Three potential routes have been selected based on a wide range of criteria, including social, environmental, cost and constructability. Landowners and public interested in learning more about this project and the proposed routes are encouraged to attend two public workshops:

June 24           6:00 p.m.         Quincy Fire Station                          1201 Central Ave. S                Quincy
June 30           6:00 p.m.         Grant PUD Commission Room          30 C St. SW                            Ephrata

Grant PUD staff will present information on the proposed transmission line and solicit public input via written comment regarding the potential routes. The utility expects to make a final decision on this project by the end of the year. 

“A recent analysis showed the utility’s need for additional transmission capacity and reliability to maintain the level of service expected by our customers,” said General Manager Tim Culbertson. “We encourage the public to participate in this public process.  Input received will contribute to an informed decision on the preferred route for the new transmission line.”

More information can be found online at www.gcpud.org.

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942.  Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle.  A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.