(KTNC)-- Work is moving along on the Nebraska portion of a high-voltage power line that will run from Nebraska City to near Kansas City. The Omaha Public Power District is building the part of the Midwest Transmission Project in southeast Nebraska, which runs 45 miles through portions of Otoe, Nemaha, and Richardson counties.
OPPD officials say in the latest project update that they have acquired one-third of the easements necessary for the Nebraska portion of the project. The company says it has passed the 90-percent milestone in designing the transmission line and they have completed environmental surveys for the project and are working with state and federal agencies on securing the necessary permits.
OPPD Environmental Administrator Patrick Finigan says since the line crosses the Missouri River, they had to conduct a study to determine how the project might impact the Northern Long-eared Bat, which could be included on the Endangered Species List as soon as next year. Finigan says they found two Northern Long-eared Bats on the Nebraska side of project.
The Midwest Transmission Project spans 180 miles between Nebraska City and Sibley, Missouri. It's one of the Southwest Power Pool's priority projects, meant to increase the reliability of electrical transmission in the area. Construction is expected to start next summer and the line should be in service in the summer of 2017.
OPPD says they have also begun the process to upgrade two 69-kilovolt lines near the MTP transmission line and have begun contacting landowners who may be impacted by the project.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
USD 415 board select new member
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Doniphan Co Attorney files for re-election
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City
RELATED STORIES
OPPD Board Approves Power Pole Purchase
OPPD to Begin Negotiating Easements for Transmission Line
Energy-Savings Presentation Thursday in Falls City
OPPD Makes Payments in Lieu of Taxes to Counties
OPPD Sends Payments In-Lieu-of-Taxes to Counties
Nebraska Utilities Warn of Phone Scam
OPPD Reports More Scam Attempts