Large Turnout for SRP Open House

Approximately 250 local residents attended Salt River Project’s (SRP) Open House at Maricopa High School on Thursday, September 9, 2004 from 5 to 7 p.m. Members of SRP’s Project Team were present to speak to citizens concerned about property values and the proposed route of the PW-SEV/Browning Project transmission lines. Various exhibits, site maps, and slide shows showed varying aspects of the project. Attendees could move from exhibit to exhibit, speaking to one or several SRP representatives.

The project consists of new 500 kV and 230 kV lines that will serve Pinal, Pima, and Maricopa counties. Electricity will be delivered from the Pinal West substation located southwest of the city of Maricopa through Pinal County to the Browning substation in Mesa. Partners in the project are SRP, the project leader, Arizona Public Service Company (APS), Tucson Electric Power Company, Santa Cruz Water and Power Districts, and Electrical District #2.

Tempe-based Greystone Environmental Consultants completed environmental studies for the proposed routes. Representatives were present at the meeting to facilitate public input for the project. For those individuals unable or unwilling to speak to an SRP team member, forms were available for those citizens’ questions or comments. Such inquiries should be directed to Marti Peterson (c/o Greystone), 401 W. Baseline, Suite 204, Phoenix, AZ 85283.

The proposed route of the project’s transmission lines has recently proved a divisive issue for residents of the Hidden Valley area. Individuals living on Miller and Teel Roads met with an SRP spokesman two weeks ago. These residents oppose the Save Our Valley Association’s opinion that Miller Road is the best route to link the transmission lines with the Santa Rosa Substation located on White and Parker Road.

Members of the community meet with SRP representatives.

An SRP team representative explains components of the proposed project