Tennessee Valley Authority
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Power Supply Upgrade
Update: January 2006
TVA has evaluated ten alternative routes for the new transmission line to power Bowling Green Municipal Utility’s new substation. The same considerations--environmental, land-use, engineering, and cost--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.
Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified a proposed route consisting of segments 1A, 4, 8, 9, 11, 15 and 16 (see map). The route is expected to have the least overall impacts. To learn more about TVA’s transmission line routing process and how the decision on this project was reached, see this fact sheet (107 kb, PDF).
The route begins at TVA’s existing East Bowling Green-South Scottsville 161-kV transmission line (located east of the Old Cemetery Road-Castle Heights Road intersection), and heads west to the proposed substation, located west of I-65 on Cave Mill Road.
The proposed route is 6-miles long. The eastern half of the route will share existing 75-foot right-of-way. The western half will be built on new 75-foot right-of-way, unless special circumstances require a 100-foot clearance. The line will be built using steel poles, similar to the one shown in the photograph.
Background
Due to growth in power demand in the area, the capacity of Bowling Green Municipal Utilities’ distribution facilities in north and west Bowling Green are projected to be exceeded by the summer of 2007. BGMU has no transmission facilities on the eastern or southern sides of the city, while growth and growth potential are greatest in south Bowling Green.
To serve the growing area, BGMU is planning to build a new 161-kV substation in the Greenwood area. TVA plans to supply power to the new substation by tapping the East Bowling Green - South Scottsville 161-kV transmission line and constructing a six-mile line to the proposed substation, located west of I-65 on Cave Mill Road.
The transmission line will be built on a 75-foot-wide right-of-way unless special circumstances require a 100-foot clearance. The projected in-service date for the new transmission line is Summer 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 33 kb)
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and BGMU will help ensure continued economic health and residential and commercial growth in the area.
Public involvement
TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects includes public input. Comments received during the comment period were used in reaching a decision on the route. TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project.
Handout from Open House (PDF, 176 kb)
Map
The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please use the zoom tool to view details of the section maps and allow time for them to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA (see contact information at top right).
Map (PDF, 323 kb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes, as well as TVA’s proposed route for the proposed transmission line.
Environmental Reviews
Appropriate National Environmental Policy Act reviews 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.
Project schedule
Open houses held August 25, 2005 and November 30, 2005
Comments were accepted through December 9, 2005
Determine preferred route for field surveys: January 2006
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: Winter 2006
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: Winter 2006
Complete environmental review: Fall 2006
Begin right-of-way easement acquisitions: Winter 2006
Begin construction: Early spring 2007
Line in service: Summer 2007
Related information
Frequently asked questions about TVA right-of-way
Benefits of planting native shrubs and grasses in utility rights-of-way.
- Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
- Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)