Preserve Our San Saba Environment (POSSE)non-profit

On April 23, 2010, PUC Commissioners rejected LCRA's application for a certificate of convenience and necessity to build the Gillespie-Newton 345kV transmission line through San Saba County. LCRA was told to reapply and give the PUC more viable route choices. More to follow.....

Click on the link above to access information about this project on the LCRA website.

The above link will take you to the PUC Interchange system. To view all of the legal filings on the PUC docket for this case, click on Login and type in the docket number (control number) - 37448 - then click "Search Now".

Texas Parks & Wildlife recommended to the PUC that LCRA utilize existing rights-of-way south of Lake Buchanen instead of coming through San Saba County. Click on the link above to access the entire recommendation in PDF format.

TPWD stated:

Based on the information provided, Route GN6 would have the least amount of
adverse impact on biological resources, and substantially less than Route GN1 1,
the preferred route, as noted above. TPWD recommends selection of GN6 in
keeping with TPWD Recommendations for Electrical Transmission/
Distribution Line Design and Construction (attached) to minimize potential
project effects on wildlife. Of the 11 proposed routes, Route GN6 would be
located on the greatest amount of existing transmission line ROW, 47 miles of its
total 85-mile length. Further, an additional 17 miles of GN6 would be located
parallel to already developed existing transmission line or other utility/highway
ROW. As a result, impacts to existing vegetation and habitat for rare and
protected species and wildlife in general would be substantially minimized
compared to any of the other routes. Most importantly, GN6 would cross 30
fewer miles of comparable new ROW (Links C27, C29 and C31a) than on GN11.
GN6 would best afford protection of the view sheds of Enchanted Rock State
National Area and Colorado Bend State Park. Route GN6 would cross the
Colorado River on the developed south side of Buchanan Lake along the existing
transmission line corridor, an area of less favorable habitat for wintering eagles,
Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.