Verde Valley News – The Coconino National Forest is working to improve the power grid for many Red Rock Ranger District residents by taking the next steps in its APS McGuireville to Oak Creek 69kV Transmission Line Project.
The McGuireville to Oak Creek Transmission Line Project will construct a new 13.7-mile transmission line between the communities of McGuireville and Oak Creek, which will connect existing lines into a looped system.
The Coconino National Forest has published a Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision and has initiated a public objection process for the project.
“This decision will strengthen the electric grid throughout the Verde Valley and provide improved power reliability for the communities of McGuireville and the Village of Oak Creek,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “I am pleased with the cooperation and compromise found throughout the planning process and feel this decision will make important grid improvements while maintaining the beautiful red rock scenery in the area.”
The transmission line construction will improve reliability and resiliency by allowing power supply to be diverted in the instance of a downed or damaged transmission line. This in turn reduces the risk of power outages to customers during times of infrastructure repairs or other incidents.
The draft decision identifies portions of the transmission line that will be installed overhead by replacing an existing powerline along the Village of Oak Creek and constructing a new overhead line along Cornville Road.
Other portions of the transmission line would be installed underground, such as where the line crosses state Route 179 and Beaverhead Flat Road.
“Few people like to see power lines crossing the landscape, but strengthening the power grid and protecting Verde Valley’s households and businesses depending on reliable power is a necessity given risks from weather events and other unanticipated incidents,” said District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “I think this decision provides a good balance of reducing impacts to scenery, protecting soils and water quality, and maintaining a reliable power grid.”
The Coconino National Forest has released the Final Environmental Analysis, draft Decision Notice, and Forest Plan Amendment for a 45-day Objection period for those individuals or organizations that previously submitted comments on the project. Project documents, including instructions on how to file an objection, can be viewed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/coconino/?project=63848.
For more information about the project and planning process, please contact Coconino National Forest NEPA Coordinator Mike Dechter at michael.dechter@usda.gov.