(KNZA)--The Kansas Corporation Commission has granted approval for the construction of the 370-mile Kansas portion of the Grain Belt Express Clean Line that would cross through several local counties.
The controversial high voltage transmission line would transmit energy from wind farms in southwest Kansas to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and states further east. The line would cross through 13 Kansas counties—including Marshall, Nemaha, Brown and Doniphan.
In granting approval Thursday, the KCC cited the short and long-term economic benefits to Kansas and the opportunity for further wind development and export. The Commission ruled the proposed electric transmission line is necessary and the proposed route is reasonable.
The KCC stipulated that Grain Belt Express must obtain transmission line siting approvals from the Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana state utility commissions prior to beginning construction on the Kansas portion of the line. Grain Belt Express has five years to begin construction of the project in Kansas or will be required to reapply.
Many landowners affected by the construction remain opposed to the project, citing concerns ranging from property rights to health affects.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
LATEST STORIES
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Council approves Aquatic Center hirings
Motorcyclist injured in Holt Co MO crash
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project