The Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp., which is a nonprofit corporation that is responsible for electric service projects in Texas, submitted 31 possible routes for a proposed 138-kilovolt line to the Public Utilities Commission of Texas on April 28. Of the 31 routes, the LCRA TSC identified one that runs along FM 1431 and Sam Bass Road as the route that “best addresses” the PUC’s criteria for placing the line.
The LCRA TSC is looking to build the line to connect two existing power substations—one in Round Rock and one in Leander—to two proposed substations—one in Cedar Park and one in Leander. LCRA TSC officials have stated the line is needed to address the growing demand for electricity in the area.
Route 31
The route the LCRA TSC states best addresses the PUC’s siting criteria is identified as Route 31 in LCRA TSC documents. Route 31 starts at the Round Rock substation off Sam Bass and follows major arterials such as FM 1431 and Sam Bass. The LCRA TSC said in a statement that Route 31 was selected as the one that best addresses the PUC’s criteria because it uses an existing transmission line corridor and follows existing rights of way for a “significant portion” of its length. The LCRA TSC states Route 31 would minimize the number of newly affected homes within proximity to the project and avoid the environmentally sensitive area near Brushy Creek.
Cities’ and county input
The cities of Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock previously passed resolutions recommending the line be placed on a route along FM 1431, just as Route 31 is. Cedar Park and Leander also recommended an alternative route along Arterial H.
