AMARILLO, TEXAS -- UPDATE: Pronews 7 just confirmed with a spokesman for the Texas Public Utility Commission that the commission did give their approval to the preferred Sharyland route for the Texas Panhandle. This route takes the proposed transmission line north of Amarillo into Oldham County down into Deaf Smith, it's the same route that was recommended by an administrative judge recently.
Chairman of the Commission, Barry Smitherman, wrote a letter to two of his fellow commissioners which detailed his support for the preferred route. In the letter, Smitherman, said that the "consistent overwhelming preference at all the open houses were that lines should be located through undeveloped land and that residential areas should be avoided." Smitherman went on to write "it was also preferred that new lines should be next to existing ROW and/or next to property lines, be the maximum distance from public parks and minimize impacts to the ecology and historic cultural sites." All of these request and thoughts, Smitherman, said were consistent with the commissions substantive rules.
In the letter, Smitherman points out the east and west portions of the route are through areas of pivot irrigation dedicated to food and fiber farming operations. The northwest portion of the line parallel an existing transmission line and there are several power lines going in the north-south and east-west directions in the area.
The letter also points out that the line only passes five habitable structures within 500 feet of the centerline. Smitherman concluded by saying he was hesitant to support any route that took the route near Buffalo Lake NWR and Link A1 because of the wild and vast nature of the canyon in this area.
A huge movement sprung up in recent months protesting any route that would have taken the lines through the Palo Duro Canyon.
Jeanne Phillips, a spokesperson with Sharyland, said they are pleased with the unanimous vote by the commission on selecting the northern route.
"While these decisions are difficult, we believe that given all of the factors involved, this is the best alternative for stakeholders," said Phillips.
Class 4 Winds released this statement regarding the PUC approval "Class 4 Winds is glad to see the CREZ process moving forward, and trust that no stone was left unturned in an effort to mitigate adverse impacts. It's difficult to find a route that pleases 100 percent of the stakeholders, but we have to remain focused on the big picture, which is the development of the renewable energy industry in the Texas Panhandle."
What about those against the transmission lines?
While our crews were searching through the comments submitted to the PUC, we noticed many letters from people opposed to this route. Their main concern seemed to be that the lines would run through the Canadian River Basin.
The letters written to commissioners point out the route cuts through the watershed, which they said was home to fragile wetland and woodland habitats. The letters also claimed those habitats support the endangered horned lizard as well as golden eagles, antelope and other species. Those against also said the northern route could destroy archaeological sites encompassing Bonita Creek, West Amarillo Creek and Tecovas Creek.
Finally, the letters raised the issue of cost, saying the northern route is 21 miles longer than other proposed routes, making it more costly to be built.
What happens now?
The spokesperson for the PUC tells ProNews 7 an order will be signed in the coming weeks. After that order is signed, Sharyland will be given a certificate and will be allowed to begin construction.
Phillips said "We expect to begin construction in the spring of 2011, taking approximately 18 months to complete the project. Sharyland Utilities is pleased to be a participant in the CREZ process."
Phillips also said they have worked closely with all landowners and stakeholders and will continue to do so throughout the process.
There is a process to request a rehearing or reconsideration of the decision, the spokesperson said that if that were to happen, the next venue would be in district court.
ProNews 7 will have much more information on this story throughout the afternoon and at 5,6 and 10.
Previous story:
ProNews 7 has confirmed the Texas Public Utility Commission has approved a route for transmission lines in the Panhandle.
The PUC gave their approval to the northern route requested by Sharyland Utilities. The approval was given to the preferred route which runs north of Amarillo into Oldham and Deaf Smith counties.
Pronews 7 is gathering more information, check back for more details.
