Cass-to-Sarpy Transmission Project
Public Hearings
Omaha Public Power District is hosting two public hearings about the Cass-to-Sarpy Transmission Project, a new transmission line between the Turtle Creek Station near Springfield and the Cass County Station, northwest of Murray. The public is invited to attend either hearing and impacted landowners will be notified directly.
5:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Chrysalis Event Hall
1046 West Lincoln Street, Papillion, NE
5:30 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2024
Rock Hill Windmill
5910 Ranch Road, Plattsmouth, NE
The map above shows the general location of the transmission lines for this project. At the hearings, OPPD representatives will explain the nature and necessity of the project, the reasons for selecting the route, the design of the lines, the easement acquisition process, and the anticipated construction schedule. Representatives from OPPD will also be available to answer questions and receive comments.
Project Update
Final Route Announcement: OPPD accepted feedback on the reduced route alternatives through Oct. 19, 2023. The team reviewed all of the feedback and data received during this second phase of outreach. The final route was announced at the December 2023 Board of Directors All-Committee meeting. The project team will now begin detailed design work, which will determine final details including which side of the road and exact location of structures. We are committed to working with directly impacted landowners throughout the process to gather input and help us make design choices that address their properties.
All property owners along and adjacent to this final route will be contacted by OPPD to discuss attributes of their property and review the next steps of the process individually. If you have questions you may call 531-226-3062 to speak with a right-of-way agent.
Questions may still be submitted below or by calling our hotline at 531-226-3062 at any time throughout this process.
Where we've been: The project team would like to thank everyone who attended one of the second rounds of Open Houses on Oct. 4 and 5, 2023 to learn more about the remaining route alternatives, ask questions and provide additional feedback. Open houses were held in Sarpy and Cass counties, both with the same information.
Please know that all route alternatives will be forward tracking only. Detailed maps showing specific route alternatives in Cass and Sarpy counties can be seen here:
- To see specific Cass County route alternative options click here
- To see specific Sarpy County route alternative options click here
Two initial Open Houses were held in Springfield and Louisville on July 12 and 13, respectively. Attendees learned about the project, asked questions and provided feedback about the potential route options. Feedback on initial potential route options was accepted through July 31, 2023. The team reviewed all the feedback and data received during this initial phase of outreach.
About the Cass-to-Sarpy Transmission Project
OPPD is planning to build an approximately 23-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line between its Cass County Balancing Station off of Mill Road and the utility’s new Turtle Creek Balancing Station at 168th & Fairview Roads in Sarpy County. This is a portion of a 29-mile line between Cass County Station and 180th and Giles. However, a section of the line is already routed as part of the Sarpy Southwest Transmission Project. You can learn more about this project from this story in The Wire.
This transmission line is needed to ensure the electric system is more reliable and capable (resilient) of withstanding larger peak demands while accommodating growth in OPPD’s service territory. The line will support load growth and long-range planning of OPPD’s balanced portfolio of energy resources.
Project Study Area
The project study area is used to provide a general boundary of land to further evaluate before finalizing the transmission routes. The map (above) is reflective of two study areas – the larger box in Cass County, and the smaller box in Sarpy County.
Determining the paths for this transmission infrastructure will consider stakeholder feedback in each county, in addition to careful evaluation of environmental, engineering and community concerns.
Important considerations include: minimizing the number of private properties affected and maximizing the distance from homes, schools, parks, churches, and cemeteries. Click here to learn more about the routing and siting criteria. Stakeholder feedback is gathered through a six-step process which includes local leader meetings, open houses, hotline calls and received comments. The hotline is available for those interested in connecting by phone at 402-881-8280.
Routing and Siting Process
Phase 1: Identify Study area and Constraints and Open House
Data Collection & Agency Outreach Many factors are considered including inputs from both local leaders and stakeholders to help determine potential route alternatives.
Community Engagement In each county, OPPD held a local leader meeting for elected officials, followed by a public open house. The meeting's purpose was to inform the public of the project and collect input on the preliminary segments. There were two open houses, with one in each county for convenience. Both meetings had the same information and were held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on either day. No formal presentation was provided so the public was welcome to join at any time.
- Wednesday, July 12, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Springfield Community Center, 104 Main Street, Springfield
- Thursday, July 13, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Louisville High School Gymnasium, 202 West 3rd Street, Louisville
Phase 2: Route Segment Analysis and Second Open House
Route Analysis and Data Review Examine information collected from community outreach and evaluate any concerns expressed by local leaders and key stakeholders to identify best route alternatives for the new transmission line.
Route Reduction A short list of potential routes was released after feedback from stakeholders and local leaders helped planners eliminate most route alternatives from further consideration.
Community Engagement In each county, OPPD held another local leader meeting for elected officials, followed by a public open house. The purpose of the second round of meetings was to present a short list of potential routes and gather final feedback before determining a final route. Both public open houses had the same information and were held from 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on either day. No formal presentation was provided so the public was welcome to join at any time.
- Wednesday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Springfield Community Center, 104 Main Street, Springfield
- Thursday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., New Barn at Lilac Hill, 14704 156th Street, Louisville
Phase 3: Route Alternative Analysis
Final Route Analysis and Data Review Examine information collected from community outreach and evaluate any concerns expressed by local leaders and key stakeholders to identify the best route for the new transmission line.
Phase 4: Final Route Announcement
Route Selection The final route is announced, and communications begin with affected landowners to negotiate right of way for the new transmission line.
OPPD announced the route for the new transmission line in December 2023 with the new transmission line anticipated to be in service by December 2026.
Cass-to-Sarpy Transmission Project
Have a question or have feedback about the Cass-to-Sarpy Transmission Project? Ask it here and our experts will respond within three business days. Feedback is also accepted here or you may call the hotline at 402-881-8280.
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