Today is the last day you can comment on the final environmental impact statement for a 1,000 mile long power line.
Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power want to build what's called the Gateway West Transmission Line to add power capacity. The project would cross most of southern Idaho. The Bureau of Land Management released the Final Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS two months ago. It’s been taking comments ever since.
The BLM can use new comments on the project to make changes to segments of the transmission line. Officials want to hear from stakeholders about how the line would affect the environment along its route from Glenrock, Wyoming to Melba, southwest of Boise.
The BLM has proposed a phased in approach to the project. That means some segments of the power line could get approval, while other, more controversial segments, would remain under discussion.
Comments may be made to the BLM at the project Web site, at the project e-mail address (Gateway_West_WYMail@blm.gov) or in writing to BLM, Gateway West Project, P.O. Box 20879, Cheyenne, WY 82003.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio
