Great Bend Post
Jan 28, 2025

Central Kansas residents invited to comment on Grain Belt Express project

Posted Jan 28, 2025 12:35 PM
<br>

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

On Jan. 15, Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner received a letter from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regarding the release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Phase 1 of the Grain Belt Express Transmission Project. Public meetings will be held in person and online to discuss the findings.

"It seemed to be effective last time, holding these meetings," Patzner said. "It seemed to move the needle a little bit. I think we just need to have the same kind of response. If people have something on their mind, they just need to show up and voice it."

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the draft considers the environmental impacts associated with providing federal financial assistance to support the development, construction, and operation of the Grain Belt Express. DOE and Grain Belt Express representatives will be available at six meetings scheduled in Kansas, Missouri, and online.

The Kansas meetings are scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. at the Dodge City Public Library, 1001 N. 2nd. Ave. on Monday, Feb. 10, and at the Holiday Inn Express, 2175 Lincoln St. in Concordia, on Tuesday, Feb. 11. One virtual meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and another will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20.

To register for a virtual meeting, CLICK HERE and fill out the registration form. The same link also includes details from the report.

Those unable to attend a meeting but still wishing to comment have several options:

- CLICK HERE to visit the DOE page.

- email LPO_GrainBelt_EIS@hq.doe.gov

- Mail an enclosed envelope labeled "Grain Belt Express EIS" and addressed to Todd Stribley, NEPA Compliance Officer, U.S. Dept. of Energy, Loan Programs Office - LP30, 1000 Independence Ave SW, Washington D.C., 20585.

- online at regulations.gov - search for Docket No. DOE-HQ-2023-0020