NPPD determines final route for Nebraska transmission line

Following a publically involved one-year routing process, the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has selected an ultimate route for its Stegall to Scottsbluff Transmission Line Project, set to enhance system dependability in the panhandle region of western Nebraska.

The project centers around the construction of a 115,000-volt electrical transmission line approximately 23 miles from the current Scottsbluff substation, as well as the erection of a new NPPD substation five miles south of Stegall, near Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Stegall substation. In addition, there will also be a smaller, 345,000-volt transmission line built between the new NPPD substation and Basin’s existing Stegall substation.

After reviewed the field studies, maps and comments provided at three open house public hearings, the NPPD determined the proposed route was the best option to propel forward.

“First, I’d like to thank the landowners for their feedback during the public involvement process,” Jedd Fischer, project manager, said. ”We had excellent participation from landowners whether in person, by phone or via written communications. By letting us know of any future plans for their land or any special circumstances, we were able to make better, informed decisions. Our goal throughout this project was to find the best possible line route and substation site with the least overall impact to landowners. We believe the process has resulted in identification of a good route.”

Line construction is set to begin in the fall of 2016.