Quincy Transmission Expansion Plan (QTEP) Grant Public Utility District

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Wanapum-Mountain View 230 kV Transmission Line Project

The Wanapum-Mountain View Project is the biggest and most important project in QTEP because it provides a new connection to the source of our region's power, the Wanapum Dam. The new transmission line will make it possible to distribute more electricity to our customers from the Mountain View Substation in Quincy.

Project Location

This new 32-mile-long line will be built primarily along existing roadways, mostly along Beverly Burke Road south of I-90 and will replace an existing transmission line north of I-90.

The southern portion will be built along the same alignment as an existing distribution line, whose lines will be relocated on to the new transmission poles.

Quick Facts

  • Anticipated Construction Start: 2028
  • Anticipated Construction Completion: 2029
  • Estimated Cost: $86 Million*
*Estimated cost as of April 2025. Cost includes planning, public engagement, permitting, easement acquisition, material procurement, and construction.
ALTERNATIVE TEXT HERE
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Project Updates

Route 4B Selected for Wanapum to Mountain View 230 kV line

Grant PUD evaluated four alternatives for the new transmission line in 2022-2023 and presented the final selection to the public at an April 2023 open house.Grant PUD selected the current route (known as alternative 4b) primarily because it:

  • Is in an existing power-line corridor and uses existing roads, which are more accessible than cross-country routes
  • Avoids sensitive federal and state lands, which would have required more extensive environmental permitting and lead to construction delays. Receiving permits for this route were also not guaranteed, leaving the potential for the project being forced to restart and another route chosen after extensive time and financial investment.

Despite the higher initial estimated capital construction costs of 4B relative to alternative Routes 1, 2 and 3, the expectation was that those higher costs would be more than offset by the benefits of reduced regulatory and permitting complexity, and the shorter timeline required to complete the line, which accelerates the flow of revenue from customers served by the line.

Acquiring needed new easements

We have negotiated easements with owners of 74 parcels. We are at in impasse with the owners of the 11 remaining parcels and are now following the condemnation process as outlined by the Washington state constitution for the remaining easements. A recent court action involved 8 parcels in which the judge ruled that Grant PUD can follow the legal condemnation process. Condemnation is pending for the other three easements.

Condemnation is only used with great reluctance as a final step to secure the remaining easements to build this important infrastructure and provide needed energy and system reliability for the region. We remain committed to working with landowners on this route to address their concerns whenever possible.

View Landowner Resources

Benefits to the Community

The PUD owns and operates the Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams on the Columbia River and the high voltage transmission lines that help deliver electricity to our customers. The new Wanapum-Mountain View Transmission Line will be a critical resource for this region.

  • Meet Demand

    Meets growing demand for electricity and will serve future generations

  • Improves Reliability

    Improves reliability for customers, including those who rely on power for irrigation

  • Redundancy

    Adds redundancy by strengthening connections among substations

  • Growth

    Supports development in the region which funds area schools and hospitals

Project Schedule

Starting in 2022, Grant PUD began reviewing alternatives for the new transmission line. Public meetings were held in 2022 and 2023 to present alternatives to the community. Beginning in late 2022 through present day, we performed an environmental review of the proposed route, submitted permit applications, and started working with landowners to obtain easements to build, maintain, and operate the new transmission line.

We anticipate starting pre-construction activities (like materials procurement) in mid-2026 with construction beginning in mid-2028. Service of the line is expected to begin in late 2029.

Project Schedule
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  • Alternatives analysis and section of preferred routes: Mid 2021 to Mid 2022
  • Public Meeting - early 2022
  • Environmental review, design, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition: Mid 2022 to Mid 2026
  • Grant Public Utility District: Commission Meeting in late 2022
  • Public Meeting - early 2023
  • Landowner Engagement - late 2023 and mid 2024
  • Community Engagement ongoing
  • Materials procurement: Mid 2026 to Mid 2028
  • Construction from Mid 2028 to Late 2029
  • Service starts late 2029

Document Library

View general project information, past community engagement materials, and regulatory filings. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Us.

2023 Public Meeting Materials

An Open House was held at the George Community Hall.

2022 Public Meeting Materials

Open Houses for route selected were held at the George Community Hall, Port of Quincy, and virtually in 2022.