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Helicon, Alabama

Power Supply Upgrade

Update — March 2010

Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of nine alternative line segments for improvements that will reduce power outages and relieve equipment that is near overload.

Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified alternative route segments 1, 4, 7 and 8 as shown on the preferred route map below. The line would begin at TVA’s existing Addison 161-kilovolt tap line and head southeast for about 2 miles on existing right-of-way, before turning south for another 4.5 miles to the new substation in Arley.

The same considerations — environmental, land-use, engineering, and cultural — were used to assess each alternative. The reviews were based on available data, aerial photography, onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owners’ input.

The preferred route is about 6.5 miles long with two miles on existing right-of-way. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives. In keeping with TVA’s environmental stewardship, appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted.

The line would be built on steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way. An additional 25-feet of right-of-way will be obtained on the existing two-mile right-of-way section because that right-of-way is currently 75-feet wide.

About 45 property owners and 55 property tracts would be affected — 21 parcels along existing right-of-way, 34 parcels along new right-of-way.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2011.

Background — November 2009

TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in east Winston County, which would improve the reliability of power by reducing the number and length of outages in the area.

image of transmission tower TVA will hold an open house on November 19 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.

The proposed project consists of a new Cullman EC 161-kV substation and about 6 to 7 miles of new TVA transmission line to power the substation. The line would extend south from TVA’s existing Addison 161-kV tap line to the new Helicon Substation, which would be located in Arley, between County Road 40 and Helicon Road.

Several alternative routes from a network of 9 alternative line segments will be presented at the open house.

The transmission line would consist of steel pole structures centered on a 100-foot right-of-way. One alternative line segment would use existing right-of-way from a 46-kV line that is no longer in service.

The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2011.

Public involvement

TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to allow public input at all stages. TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project. Comments received during the comment period were used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.

TVA held an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project on Nov. 19, 2009 at the Addison Community Center in Addison, Alabama. A 30-day comment period followed.

Map

The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the zoom tool to view details of the map and allow time for it to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA.

The map shows the preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.

Map (PDF, 207 kb)

The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.

Map (PDF, 364 kb)

Environmental reviews

The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized. TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this project.