Columbia residents get opportunity to weigh in on proposed transmission line

Columbia Missourian

COLUMBIA — Residents will have a chance to ask questions and offer their thoughts on an electric transmission line project for southwest Columbia at an open house the city will host from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The 161-kilovolt line would connect the Mill Creek substation with existing substations in Columbia to improve the capacity and stability of electric service in the south part of town and to comply with federal standards, according to the city website.

The open house will be an open-dialogue format where utility customers who live and work along the proposed route of the power line — which runs along Providence, Grindstone, Nifong, Vawter School Road and Scott Boulevard — to communicate with experts working on the project concerning the route and the placement and design of utility poles.

There will be no official presentation at the open house, but it will be divided into three sections dealing with the Scott Boulevard, Vawter School and Nifong, and Grindstone areas, so residents can talk to experts about the area closest to them, according to the city website.

Maps of pole placements and structure designs are also available at www.poweringcolumbia.com. Residents can call 844-244-7870 to leave a message about the project.