PUEBLO WEST – Neighbors attended a special meeting Tuesday night to sound off about a proposed project that could put transmission lines near their homes.
Black Hills Energy is proposing running a 39 miles of power lines from Pueblo West to Cañon City in a project called the “Cañon West Reliability Project”
The project requires approval from the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners in order to proceed.
Black Hills Energy said the project is needed to meet a large demand for electricity in the area.
“We have looked at all of these different options and we dont want to wait until pueblo west five years from now doesnt have the resources it needs.” said Project Manager Seth Boutilier.
However, neighbors aren’t thrilled about the 65-75 foot tall power poles visible near their homes.
“They are not going to pay the $30,000 I’m going to lose on my property once they put their transmission line in,” said Pueblo West Resident Melvin Manrose. “I’ve been talking to other people and they say that is it going to affect their house and their view and this is more than the six people they are talking about.”
The current plan from Black Hills Energy calls for construction to begin on the project in 2019.
