Three route alternatives considered for new 115-kilovolt transmission line in Royal City
After evaluating numerous route segments, Grant PUD staff and engineering consultants have identified three potential construction routes for the new "Red Rock" 115-kilovolt transmission line near Royal City.
The public will have a chance to view detailed maps of each potential alternative and offer comment at public workshops on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5. Both workshops will begin at 4 p.m. in the main office of the Port of Royal Slope. Both meetings will end at 7 p.m.
The Red Rock Transmission Line is needed to meet growing power demands in the Royal Slope area by feeding the Red Rock Substation south of Royal City. The top three route alternatives involve the transmission line originating at the Frenchman Hills Substation and traveling to the Red Rock Substation. Each possible route taking a different path.
The new 115 kV transmission line is part of Grant PUD's second round of "Design-Build," a multi-year package of projects to improve reliability and increase capacity of Grant PUD's electrical system.
Following consideration of public comment and analysis of potential impacts, Grant PUD staff will take public feedback into account before making a final recommendation to commissioners for approval. The recommendation is tentatively planned for presentation to the commission in March. Estimated timing for project completion is March of 2022.
See the map below.
Possible Western Route – 7.6 miles
The Western Route follows the existing Frenchman Hills to Royal City transmission line east for approximately 1.4 miles before turning south near the existing communication tower.The route runs south, roughly along Road F SW, for approximately 3.5 miles to Road 12 SW.The route follows Road 12 SW approximately 0.65 miles east, turning southeast along Road E SW.The route continues south along Road E SW, crossing State Highway 26, to the new Red Rock Substation.
Possible Central Route – 7.6 miles
The Central Route follows the existing Frenchman Hills to Royal City transmission line east for approximately 2.2 miles before turning southeast near Road E SW.The route continues south along Road E SW, crossing State Highway 26, to the new Red Rock Substation.
Possible Eastern Route – 9.5 miles
The Eastern Route follows the existing Frenchman Hills to Royal City Transmission line from Frenchman Hills to Royal City.This route runs east for approximately 2.2 miles, turning south east for approximately 1.4 miles, where it turns south along Road D SW, for 2.5 miles, to the Royal City Substation.From here the route follows Road D SW south, across State Highway 26, turning west along Road 13.6 SW, to the new Red Rock Substation.
Klinkenberg said following consideration of public comment and analysis of the other criteria, staff will make a recommendation to the commission for commissioner approval. Staff tentatively plan providing their recommendation in April and estimate project completion by March of 2022.