CapX2020 Receives Facility Permit From South Dakota Public Utilities Commission

Eleven-mile segment completes approved routes for 345 kV Brookings County-Hampton transmission line project

Pierre, SD - The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC) granted a Facility Permit for the CapX2020 Brookings County-Hampton 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project. The project begins at the Brookings County substation north of Brookings, S.D., and ends at the proposed Hampton substation southeast of the Twin Cities. The approximately 250-mile transmission line will benefit electric customers throughout the region, including providing access to renewable energy projects and meeting projected electric growth.

"The Facility Permit was the result of significant outreach to and input from local landowners and officials," said Dan Lesher, project routing lead. "The project balanced the needs for new infrastructure with the interest of landowners, agriculture, environmental issues and many other factors."

In addition to the June 14 hearing, the SD PUC held a public hearing in Brookings in January 2011 to hear evidence and solicit comments from landowners and other interested parties. The CapX2020 utilities also hosted open houses in 2008 and 2009 to introduce the project to landowners and identify an appropriate route for the transmission line.

Minnesota process
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission previously granted approvals for the project's Certificate of Need (2009) and Route Permit (2010). The Minnesota Route Permit includes more than 240 miles of 345 kV transmission infrastructure, as well as the expansion of five existing substations and construction of four new substations.

SOURCE: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission