Another series of public meetings is planned across Northwest Missouri and Southeast Nebraska to let you know about a network of preliminary routes for a high-voltage power transmission line across the region.

KCP&L and Omaha Public Power District want to build the lines between Sibley, Missouri and Nebraska City, Nebraska, with a new substation south of Maryville.

The Midwest Transmission Project is expected to cost approximately $400 million, provide 50-70 construction jobs and be in service by June 2017. Its purpose is to relieve congestion and improve reliability of the nation’s energy grid while also providing an additional gateway for renewable energy to reach customers in Missouri and Nebraska.

Approximately 8,000 property owners who are within 1,000 feet of any potential new power line route will receive an invitation by first class mail. Midwest Transmission Project planners encourage residents to watch for the letters in the coming days.

Since last summer, project planners have been reviewing potential routes through the 16-county study area and conferring with federal, state and local officials. Missouri counties in the study area include: Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Nodaway and Ray. Nebraska counties in the study area include: Nemaha, Otoe and Richardson.

For those unable to attend one of the public meetings, please refer to the project website. Questions and comments are welcome through the project website or by calling the toll-free number (855) 222-1291.

The meetings are open house format where interested citizens can drop by any time to gather information and speak directly with project planners. Meeting dates, times and locations for the six meetings are:

Monday, January 21 – Stanberry, MO (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Stanberry RII School
610 North Park Street
Stanberry, MO 64489

Tuesday, January 22 – Maryville, MO (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
American Legion
1104 E 5th Street
Maryville, MO 64468

Thursday, January 24 – Cameron, MO (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
United Methodist Church of Cameron
201 N. Pine
Cameron, MO 64429

Monday, January 28 – Fairfax, MO (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Fairfax High School Gym
500 Main Street
Fairfax, MO 64446

Tuesday, January 29 – Auburn, NE (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
The Wellness Center of Nemaha County
601 J Street
Auburn, NE 68305

Thursday, January 31 – Excelsior Springs, MO (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Crescent Lake Christian Center
1250 St. Louis Avenue
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024