Bill jump-starts study of new power lines

Sunday, March 13, 2005

GILLETTE (AP) -- With its vast coal reserves, Campbell County is poised to benefit handsomely if the state is able to expand transmission lines and build new power plants.

Toward that effort, the Legislature and Gov. Dave Freudenthal approved $6.6 million in the supplemental budget for the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority.

The goal is to open new transmission corridors, export more of Wyoming's electricity generated from coal and meet the West's growing power needs. Companies in neighboring Idaho have also announced plans to build at least two power plants fired by coal.

The authority was created last year and a five-member volunteer board appointed. The money approved this year will allow full startup, including hiring a staff.

Freudenthal called the effort "the first of its kind to take shape in more than a decade of inertia on new transmission project plans."

"I think part of why it's happening now is being willing to take the risk to push it," he said.
***more***
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2005/03/13/news/wyoming/e92925e6e2bab6cb87256fc200628561.txt