Mesa Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Sept. 17.
At the conclusion of public hearings, the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee unanimously recommended approval of a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) for a power line project that will enable Salt River Project to meet growing energy needs in the Southeast Valley.
The committee’s approval on Sept. 11 is a major milestone for the proposed Southeast Power Link project, which includes seven miles of new overhead 230-kilovolt (kV) power lines. A half-mile of the proposed route will be located in Queen Creek and the remainder in Mesa. The project also includes a new 230/69-kV receiving station.
The Southeast Power Link project will help SRP provide needed electricity for anticipated residential, commercial and industrial customer growth in the general area east of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Several technology companies have expressed interest in locating operations in the area, which includes the Elliot Road Technology Corridor and other areas in the vicinity of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. By siting the new infrastructure now, SRP can coordinate with other infrastructure projects planned for the region such as airport expansion and new State Route 24 freeway construction.
“The approval of the CEC application is a positive step forward for SRP to help prepare this growing region for its future as a leading employment and technology hub and as a thriving residential community,” said Grant Smedley, SRP project manager and director of Power Delivery Engineering. “We appreciate the support and cooperation from the city of Mesa, town of Queen Creek, and landowners and stakeholders in this area in establishing the recommended route for the project.”
Over the past several months, SRP conducted a public process comprised of extensive outreach activities. The process included meetings with municipalities, agencies, landowners and other stakeholders. In addition, SRP held a public open house on May 14 to solicit input on potential route options from local residents and businesses.
With the approval of the Line Siting Committee, the next step is for the Arizona Corporation Commission to consider the application at a regularly scheduled open meeting. For project information and updates, visit srpnet.com/SPL or call the toll-free project line at (833) 310-6345.
SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest provider of electricity in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving more than 1 million customers.
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