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KCC Grants Approval for Grain Belt Express Line

By Greg Bebermeyer

11/07/2013

(KNZA)--The Kansas Corporation Commission has granted approval for the construction of the 370-mile Kansas portion of the Grain Belt Express Clean Line that would cross through several local counties.

The controversial high voltage transmission line would transmit energy from wind farms in southwest Kansas to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and states further east. The line would cross through 13 Kansas counties—including Marshall, Nemaha, Brown and Doniphan.

In granting approval Thursday, the KCC cited the short and long-term economic benefits to Kansas and the opportunity for further wind development and export. The Commission ruled the proposed electric transmission line is necessary and the proposed route is reasonable.

The KCC stipulated that Grain Belt Express must obtain transmission line siting approvals from the Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana state utility commissions prior to beginning construction on the Kansas portion of the line. Grain Belt Express has five years to begin construction of the project in Kansas or will be required to reapply.

Many landowners affected by the construction remain opposed to the project, citing concerns ranging from property rights to health affects.

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