Item Coversheet

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA COMMUNICATION
AGENDA DATE:July 26, 2016
SUBJECT:

Adopt a Resolution Opposing the Proposed Kittyhawk Transmission Line and Substation Project by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Regarding its Proposed Routes in Allen. 

STAFF RESOURCE:

Eric Ellwanger, Assistant City Manager

ACTION PROPOSED:

Adopt a Resolution Opposing the Proposed Kittyhawk Transmission Line and Substation Project by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Regarding its Proposed Routes in Allen. 




BACKGROUND

Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. ("Brazos") would like to construct approximately 1.6 to 5.6 miles of 138 kV double circuit transmission line with single-pole structures, along with a new five-acre substation to be sited along or near SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Tollway) in the vicinity of Alma Drive or Exchange Parkway in western Collin County. The transmission line would connect the substation to an interconnection site located along an existing transmission line either to the east, southeast, northwest or west of the substation, depending on the route selected. The transmission line right-of-way would be 70 feet wide. According to Brazos, the proposed project would provide for increased capacity and better continuity of service for CoServ, Brazos Electric's member/owner cooperative, and its member customers. Brazos is in the process of selecting multiple alternatives to be submitted to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). When the PUCT submittal takes place, Brazos Electric will notify affected landowners along these alternatives per PUCT rules and provide information on how to be further involved in the transmission line review process at the PUCT. If approved by the PUCT, only one transmission line route and one substation will be constructed.

 

On May 17, 2016, Brazos held a public meeting to solicit feedback from citizens who may be affected by the proposed substation and related transmission lines. Many Allen residents attended the meeting to gather information and to voice their opposition to any potential substation or transmission line locations being established in the City of Allen.

 

City staff is concerned that the current substation locations and transmission line alternative segments proposed by Brazos do not adequately reflect a geographically diverse set of options. Specifically, it is our contention that the majority of the demand that is generating the need for this project is located north of SH121, while Brazos has tentatively identified the majority of the potential substation and transmission line options to be south of SH121 in the City of Allen.

 

Staff recommends that City Council adopt the attached Resolution which declares that the City of Allen is strongly opposed to locating a Brazos substation or any portion of the Kittyhawk Substation and Transmission Line Project at any location within the City of Allen, and encourages Brazos to consider alternative options related to the locations of substations and transmission lines north of SH121 where the majority of the demand is being generated.


STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution opposing the proposed Kittyhawk Transmission Line and Substation Project by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. regarding its proposed routes in Allen. 


MOTION

I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. ____________ opposing the proposed Kittyhawk Transmission Line and Substation Project by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. regarding its proposed routes in Allen. 



ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Resolution