By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
A proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) continues to generate discussion in Central Kansas. Several hundred people attended an informational meeting in Larned last Thursday, and the Barton County Commission will host another informational meeting tonight at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson provided a preview of tonight's discussion during Tuesday's regularly-scheduled meeting. The NIETC stems from one entity, Grain Belt Express, wanting to construct a transmission line from Dodge City 780 miles east to Indiana.
"The state of Kansas granted them public utility status, which also grants them eminent domain authority," Hutchinson said. "So now, you have a private company coming through with the best interest of the nation, not the best of Kansas. Don't confuse those two. This powerline doesn't stop anywhere in Kansas and provide energy here. It just goes through."
The Midwest-Plains corridor, as proposed, is five miles wide and is one of 10 proposed corridors around the nation. Hutchinson is opposed to the corridor and private companies getting access to federal dollars to build in the corridor.
"They go and meet with this farmer and say they want to put this 160-foot tower in your field," he said. "The size of these towers are the type that are maintained by helicopter. It's nothing we've ever seen before. It's larger than the tallest building in Great Bend, which is the High Rise."
It was revealed at the Larned meeting that 98 percent of landowners within the project proposed by Grain Belt Express have agreed to the project. Hutchinson said that could be a result of farmers having limited options against eminent domain. Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger also expressed her concern Tuesday morning.
"Coastal people want this project," she said. "It passed through at the federal level because they want our electricity and they need it for grid stability. They don't care if they come through your farm or house because they want our electricity."
County Counselor Patrick Hoffman reiterated that the county's hands may be tied to a large degree regarding the project, but officials will continue to do their due diligence.
"The county doesn't have zoning authority over the transmission line but years ago, when Grain Belt asked the commissions to enter into a road-use agreement, you guys chose not to because you were concerned about the project," he said.
Representatives from the offices of Sen. Roger Marshall, Sen. Jerry Moran, and Rep. Tracey Mann are expected to attend tonight's meeting at the Events Center. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Those using the livestream will not be able to join the live discussion.
CLICK HERE to join the livestream at 6 p.m.