Grid United and Black Forest Partners are co-developing the Southline Transmission Project (Southline), a 280-mile, double-circuit, high voltage transmission line and associated substation facilities. The design provides the capability to transport power bi-directionally and will enable wind and solar resources from the Desert Southwest to reach key markets while improving the grid reliability of the border region. Southline will connect the electrical transmission systems of the El Paso and Tucson metropolitan areas and comprises new facilities between the Afton, New Mexico and Apache, Arizona substations, as well as upgrade WAPA facilities between the Apache and Vail, Arizona substations.
Southline will be up to 280 miles long, connecting the electrical systems of the El Paso and Tucson metropolitan areas via the Afton, New Mexico, Apache, Arizona, and Vail, Arizona substations. The Project will enable substantial renewable development opportunities and be an outlet for abundant generation by providing access to new markets.
Southline has already successfully completed a highly complex, multi-year federal and state regulatory process through which all major state and Federal permits have been obtained. Southline’s Final Environmental Impact Statement was published in October 2015. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Records of Decision were published in April 2016. The Arizona and New Mexico state siting processes were completed in February 2017 and August 2017 respectively. The Project is in the final stages of development, which includes completing engineering, concluding land acquisition, and finalizing commercial arrangements.
Southline expects to begin construction in 2024. The first phase of the Project could be operational by 2026, with the full Project online by 2027.
Our relationship with landowners and communities is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to developing Southline using a collaborative process and conducting easement negotiations in a manner that is fair and respectful of private property rights.
Building America's Next Generation Infrastructure to Power Our Future.
Black Forest Partners and Grid United are codeveloping the Southline Transmission Project.
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