The Chautauqua County Commission passes an ordinance regarding new high-voltage transmission lines.

 

At today's meeting, commissioners passed an ordinance establishing a permitting and oversight process regarding the placement, construction and maintenance of electrical generating facilities that includes high-voltage power lines running 200 kilovolts or more.

 

According to the ordinance, new lines must follow or parallel state or federal highway right of way when feasible. Lines also must be at least 500 feet from schools, hospitals or churches. A permit will also be required for construction, and public comment periods will be required ahead of approval.

 

The ordinance comes as Evergy re-evaluating potential routes for a portion of its Buffalo Flats transmission line project.

 

An open house on the project is coming up tonight (Monday) at the Cowley County Community College Brown Center at 215 S Second Street in Arkansas City from 5 to 7.

 

A second open house will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Sedan High School from 5 to 7. A link to the map of proposed routes can be found here.