New transmission lines to be built at Grand Coulee

[December 29, 2011]  SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Construction will begin in February on six new 500-kilovolt transmission lines at carry electricity from Grand Coulee Dam to the Bonneville Power Administration's grid. Grand Coulee is the largest hydroelectric facility in the U.S.

BPA will fund the multimillion-dollar project which will bring dozens of construction jobs to the area for most of 2012.

The six new 500-kilovolt overhead transmission lines will replace six aging underground lines. The new lines will transfer power across the Columbia River and over the visitor center area, and then uphill to connect to existing lines.

During construction, there will be temporary short-term closures of the park and highway, but no significant impact on the popular public laser show.

[Associated Press]

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