BLM offers alternate TransWest power line route

The preliminary route favored by federal regulators for a proposed $3 billion power line project to carry Wyoming wind power to California would create a new utility corridor through south-central Wyoming. The TransWest Express project would extend more than 700 miles through Wyoming, Utah and Colorado to deliver electricity to Nevada, Arizona and California. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management's preliminary preferred route would include creating a new utility corridor in southwest Carbon County to appease locals who don't want the power lines to be too conspicuous in their area. Part of the proposed route would be several miles west of Wyoming Highway 789. Conservationists want the line closer to the highway to avoid running it through undisturbed areas. The BLM is taking comment on the proposal through Sept. 30.