High-voltage powerline plan threads route through SW Idaho

Federal officials have released a plan for two high-voltage transmission lines in southwestern Idaho that avoid sage grouse habitat and private land, but cross about 9 miles of a conservation area for raptors.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday released its final supplemental environmental impact statement for two segments of the Gateway West project proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

The two segments are part of a 1,000-mile transmission line project to deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west, potentially tapping into Wyoming’s wind energy.

The southwestern Idaho portion has faced opposition from private property owners as well as environmental concerns where the powerlines cross the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.