Proposed Routes Entergy Texas is considering 15 to 20 possible routes for its 230-kilovolt transmission line.[/caption]

County officials unanimously approved a resolution opposing a power transmission line project proposed by Entergy Texas that could cross the Lake Conroe area along FM 1097.

The project is known as the Western Region Economic Project and it intends to establish new 230-kilovolt transmission line between Willis and either Huntsville or Shiro by 2020, according to Entergy Texas. One of the possible routes—route EF—would cross Lake Conroe along FM 1097.

Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal said route EF could be harmful to the high-growth FM 1097 corridor.

“The FM 1097 corridor is a high growth corridor,” Doyal said. “Certainly as we continue to grow, Entergy has been a great partner with Montgomery County for a long time. We encourage their continued growth and support…but we just want to encourage them take that route farther north.”

Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador said he also opposes the possible transmission line route and would like to see it removed from Entergy Texas’ options for the project.

“I agree wholeheartedly that corridor is one of the fastest growing commercial and residential corridors in the region,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador said. “Lake Conroe is a pristine and beautiful lake. To put a transmission line across lake Conroe at the FM 1097 bridge is offensive to me. I would like to see them take this route out of their business plans.”

Entergy Texas is in the early planning stages and will review approximately 15 possible routes for the transmission line, said Allen East, director of customer service for Entergy Texas west. It is intended to improve efficiency in the company’s transmission grid to meet growing demand.

One proposal could connect Entergy’s Grimes substation near Shiro to the company’s Lewis Creek substation near Willis. Alternatively, the project could instead include construction of a new substation near Huntsville, connecting it to the Lewis Creek substation.

East said the company will present possible options to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for selection and approval. Only one route will be selected. East said the cost of the project could not be determined until after the final route is approved.

Local residents have also expressed concern over the proposed route. Bentwater residents Patrick Harren and Tom Watkins started a petition to raise local awareness about the project. The petition has 1,215 signatures as of Tuesday morning.

For more information about the project, visit www.entergy-texas.org. To learn more about the resident petition in opposition to the project, visit www.change.org.