Scenic 69-kV transmission line and substation project - Great River Energy

Scenic 69-kV transmission line and substation project

Project completed

Great River Energy is proposing to construct a 69-kV electric transmission line along Itasca County Highway 7 connecting to a new North Itasca Electric Cooperative substation northeast of Brush Shanty Lake. Reliability and low voltage concerns in the Scenic area need to be addressed. Completion of this project is designed to be a long term solution to improve electric delivery and meet new demand and growth for North Itasca Electric Cooperative members.

Permits and Approvals

  • State of Minnesota and Itasca County permitting authorities do not require a route permit or conditional use permit for 69-kV projects. Great River Energy is and will continue to work closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Itasca County Land Department to acquire the necessary federal, state and county occupation permits for the proposed route. No  work on the section that bypasses Scenic State Park will occur until permits are received from the DNR and the USACE.
Quick facts
  • Length: 14 miles
  • Voltage: 69 kV
  • Structures : Wood poles
  • Pole heights: 65 to 75 feet (above ground)
  • Spans: 350 to 400 feet apart
  • Right of way: 100-foot-wide right of way, 50 feet on each side of the centerline.
Schedule
  • Easements
    Winter 2019
  • Construction
    Summer No work on the section that bypasses Scenic State Park will occur until permits are received from the DNR and the USACE.
  • Public meeting
    Representatives of Great River Energy and North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc., held an open house meeting on Oct. 25, 2017. They provided information about the proposed project.
Project Contacts
Dale Aukee
Great River Energy
Phone: 763-445-5978
Marsha Parlow
Great River Energy
Phone: 763-445-5215
Media Contacts
Lori Buffington
Phone: 763-445-5714
Twitter: @lbuffing