BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2008-058
FOR RELEASE:  Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

BLM Signs Decision Record for southern half of SWIP

Ely, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District has finalized the environmental assessment (EA) for the southern portion of the Southwest Intertie Project (SWIP), extending from Las Vegas, Nev., to Ely.  District Manager John Ruhs signed the Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record on July 30.

Construction of the southern portion of the 500 kV electrical transmission line could begin as early as September, depending on the BLM’s completing rights-of-way amendments for the northern half of the transmission line, and the outcome of the White Pine Energy Station Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and other proposed actions.  When completed, the 520-plus mile transmission line would extend from near Las Vegas to near Burley, Idaho.

Project proponent Great Basin, LLC, has prepared a Construction, Operation and Maintenance Plan that is awaiting BLM approval.  Great Basin’s parent company, LS Power, is the proponent for both SWIP and White Pine Energy Station.

The Schell Field Office, in the Ely District Office, is coordinating development and implementation of SWIP from Las Vegas to Ely.  The Wells Field Office, in the BLM Elko District Office, in Elko, Nev., has the same responsibility from Ely to Burley.

The Southwest Intertie Project Southern Portion EA is available on the BLM Ely District website at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/ely_field_office.html.  You may also visit www.blm.gov/nv/ and click on the Ely District Office.  

For more information, contact Brenda Linnell, BLM Schell Field Office realty specialist, at (775) 289-1800 or brenda_linnell@nv.blm.gov

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