Booneville - BranchTransmission Improvements Project

The Booneville - Branch Transmission Improvements Project involves rebuilding and upgrading an existing 12-mile, 69-kilovolt (kV) power line with a 161-kV transmission line.

The project:

• Replaces deteriorating wooden poles with modern steel poles
• Strengthens the system against sever weather
• Decreases the likelihood and duration of wide, community-sustained outages
• Provides additional power capacity to accommodate regional growth

Fall 2024: SWEPCO crews and contractors completed construction in the spring and facilities were placed back in service on May 22, 2024.

SWEPCO contractors continue to carry out property restoration efforts along the right-of-way and plan to continue these efforts through spring 2025. Contractors are working to restore areas to as close to pre-construction conditions as possible.

Summer 2023: Volkert, Inc., serves as SWEPCO’s right-of-way representative on this project. Volkert right-of-way agents continue to talk to affected landowners along the power line route to discuss necessary field activities, necessary easements and construction access.

SWEPCO representatives plan to start pre-construction activities in late 2023 and continue into early 2024. These activities may include:

• Removing woody-stemmed vegetation from the right-of-way (November 2023)
• Installing temporary gates, fencing and access roads (Early 2024)
• Installing culverts for water management (Early 2024)

Crews plan to start rebuilding the Booneville - Branch transmission line in early 2024 immediately following the installation of gates and culverts. SWEPCO representatives expect construction on this section to conclude in spring 2024.

Fall 2022: The Arkansas Public Service Commission approved SWEPCO's application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) on Oct. 13, 2022.

Spring 2022: SWEPCO officials plan to submit a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (CECPN) application with the Arkansas Public Service Commission for approval as part of this project in Spring 2022.