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Progress Energy Florida is enhancing the transmission grid in the Apalachicola and Port St. Joe areas of Franklin and Gulf counties. This is the first step in a series of projects to improve reliability between Port St. Joe and Eastpoint meet current and future energy needs in the area.
Progress Energy Florida has identified the preferred route for a new 25-mile, 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line, which will largely follow the path of the existing line. After careful consideration of many factors, such as cost and community input, the company has decided to move forward with a preferred transmission route that will extend from the Port St. Joe Substation (10th St., Port St. Joe) through the Indian Pass Substation to the Apalachicola Substation (19th St., Apalachicola).
For 23.5 miles of the new 25 mile line, an existing 69 kV transmission line will be rebuilt and the new line will be added to the new structures. For the remaining 1.5 miles, a new corridor will be needed from Airport Road to the Apalachicola Substation and require new easements. Progress Energy is in the process of working with property owners in this area.
Public participation
Progress Energy Florida believes public participation is critical to the success of the project. The preferred route was reached through community outreach and partnerships with many stakeholders in the community. The process involved a cross-section of the local communities, including public officials, businesses, homeowners and environmental groups, among others.
This preferred route has the least overall impact to the community, property owners and the environment. Preliminary work is scheduled to begin in August 2009. Construction is expected to begin in late-2009 and will continue through late 2011. Upon completion of the project, all construction material and debris will be removed, and the right-of-way will be restored as nearly as possible to its original condition.
Progress Energy’s continuous assessment of electric energy requirements identified the need to upgrade the transmission system in this area. This line serves the communities of Apalachicola, St George Island, Carrabelle, Carrabelle Beach, Indian Pass and Eastpoint. The upgrade is a part of a series of projects to improve reliability in the company’s North Coastal region and one of several planned in the company’s 35-county service territory.
Questions
If you have questions about this project, please leave a message at 800-433-0026. A member of the project team will return your call.
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