Columbia discusses funding for new southside electrical line
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia will decide which route it will take for a new high voltage electrical line across south Columbia.
Columbia Water and Light has proposed two pathways: One that runs along West Nifong Boulevard, Vawter School Road and Scott Boulevard. The second runs from Grindstone Parkway to the Hinkson Creek substation and down Chapel Hill Road. Both paths would connect the Grindstone Parkway substation to the Perche Creek substation.
"We first noticed a need for it way back in 2007. Then it was approved in 2013 by the city council and a bond was voted on by the residents and approved," Water and Light spokesman Jason West said.
West said a dozen routes were initially considered and narrowed down to the two options up for discussion.
The Chapel Hill option would cost around $56 million, while the Vawter School-Nifong route would cost nearly $35 million. However, only about $30 million remains in bond funding.
West explained the city could pull funds from other bonds to cover the cost of the Vawter School Road route, but anything more would have to come from a new bond issue being passed.
The city paused a similar suggested path along Vawter School Road in 2016. West said rate increases to fund the bond were also paused at the time the project was halted.
"The council paused the line after one neighborhood packed a council session," said Sarah Read, who is a retired energy attorney.
West said the Chapel Hill path costs more due to the path falling on a number of property lines. Some residents in the area told ABC 17 News they don't want the new power lines, but they understand the need on the south side side of town.
The Columbia Water and Light Advisory Board will decide tomorrow morning which route it will present at the next City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 16.
