The 345-kV electric transmission line project by ITC Midwest is now complete after three years. Beginning in November 2015, The project moved along at a steady pace and was completed in phases as part of a Multi-Value Project (MVP) 3 segment.

The high voltage line runs from Lakefield in Jackson County, over to Huntley in Faribault county, where new substation was built as part of the program. From there, the line runs to Ledyard, Iowa and then to Kossuth County, Iowa, for a total line length of 103 miles.

According to ITC Marketing and Communications Manager Rod Pritchard, MVP 3 is one of 17 Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to provide access to low-cost electricity generation, improve reliability and efficiency, and expand access to renewable energy resources throughout the Midwest. Specifically, this transmission line will facilitate the integration of clean, renewable and cost-effective energy, including wind energy, from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa for electric consumers across the region.

The line sparked local controversy at the beginning, as one original plan had the line running south of Interstate 90 on the north end of Sherburn. This would have caused issues with some property owners who would have been negatively affected by the close proximity of the line.

However that issue was rendered moot, as a modified route put the line north of the Interstate instead.

As the line progressed, ITC spokesman and leadership made a point of communication and cooperation with local communities, allowing them to reap some economic benefits. According to information from ITC, the regional economy benefited from the demand for supplies and services such as concrete, hardware, fuel, gravel and trucking, as well as food, lodging and other personal needs for construction crews. The transmission infrastructure provided by the project helps to spur economic development and job growth, as well as accommodate the growing needs of electricity users.

When asked about working with those local communities, ITC Midwest President Krista Tanner stated that she was very thankful for the opportunity.

“I don’t think the State of Minnesota, the counties, or the communities and townships could have been more welcoming,” she said. “The elected officials were wonderful, the county commissioners and employees worked with us every step of the way through the permitting process. They worked with us on weather issues, and Minnesota hospitality was on full display with this project.”

Tanner also stated that while work proceeded smoothly, there were some issues with weather and other minor, but not unexpected, issues.

“Road construction, farming, and weather can affect construction. It was a particularly wet couple of years, so we had to employ some additional strategies. That’s nothing you can really plan for.” Pritchard also stated that the project was essentially complete at the time of the recent windstorm, and suffered no negative effects.

“I would just like to emphasize our gratitude for the professionalism and hospitality of the local communities,” Tanner continued. “We operate in four different states and I’d say that Minnesota is a great example of a community that’s welcoming to businesses, and we couldn’t be happier.”