Pueblo County approves controversial power line with conditions

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- After years of submitting plans to Pueblo County, Black Hills Energy finally has the approval to build a 39-mile-long transmission line connecting Pueblo West and Canon City, but there are certain conditions.

Thursday at the Sangre De Christo Arts Center, Pueblo County Commissioners unanimously approved the project as long as Black Hills meets certain environmental standards along with health standards for those living near the power line. Black Hills will also have to consider building a portion of the line underground.

The last request blindsided Black Hills Energy representatives at Thursday's meeting. The fear building a portion of the project underground will be required by the county.

"Absolutely it's concerning because building underground would be expensive," said John Vigil with Black Hills Energy. "We offered to build a portion of this line if we could stay within a certain threshold. We're not certain if that would be possible."

Vigil says the cost of building underground would fall on Black Hills Customers, and could potentially raise their rates.

Pueblo West residents who are against the project fear it will lower property values in the area, harm the local ecosystem, and present health concerns for people living in the area. Building a portion of the project underground would mitigate some of their fears.

"The undergrounding within a half mile of a residence would protect the health and safety of the residence in mind," said Pueblo resident Melvin Manrose after Thursday's hearing. "It would be great but Black Hills always puts a dollar amount on it, nothing to do with health and safety, and property values. Stuff that are going to destroy the neighborhood if they don't go underground."

According to Pueblo County Commissioner Chris Wiseman, the conditions are meant to encourage further cooperation between Black Hills and the residents in the area. As for building underground, Wiseman says the conditions leave the option on the table, but it is not a guarantee.