Progress Energy Florida is planning to upgrade an existing transmission line in Gulf and Franklin counties in the Florida Panhandle. The improvements will ensure a reliable supply of electricity to the homes, schools and businesses in this area now and in the future.

The 42-mile project will start at the Port St. Joe substation, on 10th Street on the east side of town, and will end at the Eastpoint substation, on Fourth Street.

Work will occur in four segments:

• Port St. Joe to Indian Pass
• Indian Pass to Apalachicola
• Apalachicola to Eastpoint
• St. George Island tap rebuild

Along most segments, the existing structures will be replaced with single concrete or steel poles near their current locations. The segment that crosses Apalachicola Bay may use different structures. Crews will install new 69-kilovolt (kV) lines and other equipment. Substations also will be improved. The old 69-kV line and structures will be removed along most of the route.

Preliminary work, such as surveying, has already begun. Construction is expected to begin in January 2010 and is expected to take several years.

Upon completion of the project, all construction materials and debris will be removed, and the right of way will be restored as nearly as possible to its original condition.

If you have questions about the project, please contact Project Manager Joe Weiss at (888) 272-8133 or send an email to ApalachicolaProgress@pgnmail.com.