General

Transmission project provides path for new development

Public power utilities are deeply-rooted in the towns, cities and counties they serve. OPPD continually invests in its community, and the new Sarpy Transmission Project is the latest example of that.

OPPD held an open house at the Millard Social Hall recently for those who may be impacted by the project. The meeting provided information on the project, and also gathered input from those in the vicinity. The high-voltage transmission line will span five miles near Papillion, connecting substations on Giles and Schram roads.

“We will be routing, designing and constructing this 161-kilovolt line, while keeping the community and the environment top of mind,” said Jake Farrell, supervisor of Land Management, Siting and Records for OPPD.

“We’re looking for the public’s input before finalizing the exact path this transmission line will take,” he said. “The stakeholder process is crucial to our efforts.”

The open house is one way they gathered input. OPPD asks attendees to fill out information sheets before leaving or to mail them. Those in the impacted area may also visit oppdlistens.com to learn more or provide input.

OPPD will take into account all of the customer input they receive before making a decision on the final route in September. After that, the team will work on such elements as design, easement acquisitions and environmental studies. Construction is expected to begin in June 2019 and be completed in December 2019.