Public meetings held in Williston and Killdeer

Attendees learned about Basin Electric's proposed 345-kilovolt transmission line, and had opportunities to make comments and suggestions.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative - December 2, 2011


	Attendees examine the proposed route map with Gary Christenson (green shirt) and Chuck Danchertsen (blue shirt), both representing Basin Electric.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) held public scoping meetings in Williston and Killdeer to discuss Basin Electric's proposed 345-kilovolt transmission line in western North Dakota. The proposed 190-mile line would go from the Antelope Valley Station north of Beulah, northwest to Williston, then east to Tioga. RUS is the lead federal agency in conducting an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, for the project.

Curt Pearson, Basin Electric project representative, said 29 people attended the Nov. 15 meeting in Williston, and 31 attended the Nov. 16 meeting in Killdeer. Representatives from Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, McKenzie Electric Cooperative, Roughrider Electric Cooperative and Upper Missouri G&T Electric Cooperative were among those attending the meeting and offered their support for the project.

"Landowners attending the meeting were generally understanding of the need for the project," Pearson said. "They were good meetings that accomplished the intended purpose to share project information and receive public comments and suggestions."

The public scoping comment period closes Dec. 2. Comments can be mailed to the following address, and must be postmarked no later than midnight on Dec. 2:

Dennis Rankin
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service
1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 1571
Washington, D.C., 20250-1571
Dennis.rankin@wdc.usda.gov

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