Residents will have the opportunity to see maps and alternative routes as well as provide comments

Two public meetings to discuss a proposed right-of-way for the construction of a transmission line in the north Steens Mountain area are set for the end of August in Burns and Bend. The proposed 29-mile long transmission line would cross Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and private lands.

The public meetings will allow attendants to see maps of the proposed transmission line location and alternative routes, discuss issues and provide comments to BLM and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge resource specialists and managers.  Meetings are set for:

• Monday, Aug. 23, in Burns, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harney County Community Center, 484 North Broadway.

• Tuesday, Aug. 24, in Bend, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Phoenix Inn & Suites, 300 Northwest Franklin Ave.

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing the effects of the transmission line was released to the public on July 16,  initiating a 45-day comment period that was originally scheduled to last through the end of August.  The comment period has recently been extended for two additional weeks and will now end on Sept. 17.

The Draft EIS includes analysis of the proposed route, two deviations of the proposed route, a northern route, a 115kV construction alternative and a “No Action” alternative. Because the wind farm developments and transmission line on private land are connected actions under the National Environmental Policy Act, the DEIS also analyzes the effects of these proposed facilities. Hard copies or compact discs containing the Draft EIS are available at the BLM Burns District Office. The document is also available online at:
www.blm.gov/or/districts/burns/plans/index.php and at the Harney County Library, Bend Public and Multnomah County libraries during regular business hours.

Formal written comments on the Transmission Line Project can submitted at the public meetings, delivered or mailed to the Burns Office, or submitted by e-mail to  OR_Burns_NS_Transmission_Line_EIS@blm.gov.

Entire comments, including personal identifying information,  may be published as part of the EIS and Decision process.

The Final North Steens Transmission Line EIS is scheduled for completion in late 2010.

For further information about the Draft EIS or to have your name added to the project mailing list, contact North Steens Transmission Line Project Lead at 541-573-4400.