Jefferson City — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown; along with Representatives Craig Redmon, R-Canton; and Lindell Shumake, R-Hannibal, today penned a letter to their constituents expressing their support for the newly revised Mark Twain Transmission Project. The Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) project has been reworked to address the various concerns local residents and community leaders have had regarding its impact on the area.
“I, along with Representatives Redmon and Shumake, are very pleased ATXI took the time to listen to what our communities were saying about the Mark Twain Transmission Project and, working with Northeast Power Cooperative and Ameren Missouri, found a viable path forward,” said Sen. Munzlinger. “Whereas the previous route would’ve had a considerably greater impact on area farmland and wasn’t seen by folks in the community as being respectful of their rights as property owners, the line’s new route will primarily use existing rights of way and easements for the majority of the project. I am glad we got the groups to work together without legislation or the courts.”
The proposed new route will run through Adair, Knox, Lewis, Marion and Schuyler counties and includes construction of the Zachary substation near Kirksville, Missouri. To minimize the potential impacts of the project and to address concerns of property owners and local communities, the proposed route will use more than 90 percent of existing rights of way on Northeast Power’s 161 kV line between Palmyra and Kirksville and Ameren Missouri’s 161 kV line from Kirksville to the Iowa border. Approximately eight to 12 miles of new right of ways in Marion and Adair counties will be needed, while an estimated 55 miles of Northeast Power 161 kV transmission line, running between Palmyra and Kirksville, will be completely rebuilt.
Built in 1969, Northeast Power’s current 161 kV line would’ve required full replacement within the next 10-15 years, at a cost of approximately $30 million. By working with ATXI, Northeast Power can save a significant amount of money while improving the reliability of its system.
“It goes without saying that safe, reliable and affordable energy is critical to every citizen, business and industry sector in Missouri; however, it’s also important our public utilities are constructed and delivered in a way that’s respectful to our land and landowners,” added Munzlinger.
“Once completed, the Mark Twain Transmission Project will benefit our communities in a number of very real, very measureable ways. It will bring greater reliability and efficiency to our electric system, relieve congestion to the energy grid, meet local energy needs, promote renewable energy and provide much-needed revenue to support schools, infrastructure and service located within these five counties. This improvement will also benefit our schools, universities, hospitals and many other businesses that rely on good, quality electricity.”
The Mark Twain Transmission Project currently has an in-service date of December 2019. ATXI still needs approval from Adair, Knox, Lewis, Marion and Schuyler counties, and additional input from landowners will be gathered to help with the line’s design and construction.