verde valley news – The Coconino National Forest is working to improve the power grid for many residents of the Red Rock Ranger District by taking the next step with the APS McGuireville to Oak Creek 69kV transmission line project.

of Transmission line project from McGuireville to Oak Creek will construct a new 13.7-mile transmission line between the communities of McGuireville and Oak Creek and connect existing transmission lines into the loop system.

The Coconino National Forest has released a final environmental assessment and draft decision and has begun a public appeals process for the project.

“This decision strengthens the power grid across the Verde Valley and provides improved power reliability for the communities of McGuireville and Oak Creek Village,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “We are pleased with the cooperation and compromises seen throughout the planning process and feel this decision will deliver important grid improvements while preserving the beautiful red rock landscape of the area.”

Transmission line construction improves reliability and resiliency by allowing power to be bypassed if the transmission line goes down or is damaged. This reduces the risk of customers losing power during infrastructure repairs or other incidents.

The draft decision identifies the portion of the power line that will be installed overhead by replacing the existing line along Oak Creek Village and constructing a new overhead line along Cornville Road.

Other portions of the power line will be installed underground, including where it intersects State Route 179 and Beaverhead Flat Road.

“Few people like to see power lines cutting across the landscape, but given the risks from weather events and other unforeseen incidents, we need to strengthen the power grid and ensure that Verde Valley homes rely on reliable power.” It is essential to protect businesses and businesses,” District Ranger Alex Schlueter said. “We believe this decision strikes a balance between reducing landscape impacts, protecting soil and water quality, and maintaining a reliable power grid.”

The Coconino National Forest has released a final environmental analysis, draft decision notice, and proposed forest plan amendment with a 45-day appeal period for individuals or organizations that previously submitted comments regarding the project. The project documentation, including instructions on how to file a complaint, can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/coconino/?project=63848.

For more information about the project and the planning process, please contact Coconino National Forest NEPA Coordinator Mike Dechter at michael.dechter@usda.gov.