Property owners come out to learn about Ameren project

About 200 people attended Thursday's open house at Notre Dame Regional High School to inform the public about Ameren Missouri's proposed transmission line expansion. According to Ameren, the line is needed to maintain the area's energy reliability.

"We want to beef up the infrastructure and improve reliability in the future for the Cape Girardeau area," Southeast Missouri division manager Jean Mason said.

In addition to providing reliability, Mason said an estimated 990 jobs will be supported through the project, mostly in Cape Girardeau.

The 345,000-volt line will run between Ameren's Lutesville substation and the Heritage substation, which will be off Route K, west of Cape Girardeau. The 14- to 17-mile line will cost an estimated $55 million to $75 million.

Several routes have been proposed for the line, and Ameren invited property owners along those routes to attend the meeting. Ameren will need to secure 150-foot easements from the property owners.

"We really need thoughts on where the line will go," Mason said. "We want everybody to feel confident that they have as much information as they need."

Dustin Stone was one of the concerned property owners at the open house. His property is on Highway 25, near one of the proposed routes.

"I wanted to see how it is going to affect the value of the property because it's going to create an eyesore," Stone said.

In addition to property value, Stone was concerned about the effect it would have on cellphone, GPS and satellite service.

Marilyn Kneir and her mother, Melba Brase, attended the open house to find out if one of the proposed routes would run over their property on County Road 237 in Cape Girardeau County.

"We want to figure out whether we are going to be able to farm the land or have cattle out there," Kneir said.

Despite her concerns, Kneir said she understands the other side of the argument.

"I understand the need for it," Kneir said. "Cape does need a boost in the power system they have."

Some of Barbara Tedder's concerns were alleviated after attending the meeting. A few of the proposed routes come close to her four acres near Whitewater. However, after getting a close look at a map, she realized the route would not cross directly over her property.

"We might have to stare at them, but at least it wouldn't make us have to make any major changes," Tedder said.

Ameren plans to hold a second open house in September or October. In November, the company will select the final route and get approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission. Construction is expected to being in the spring of 2014, and the project is expected to be in service by December 2015. For more information, visit LHTransmission.com or call 855-286-2173.

ajones@semissourian.com

388-3654

Pertinent address:

265 Notre Dame Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO