Title:
A Resolution Authorizing The Acquisition Of Real Property From BNSF Railway Co. To Be Used For The Kelker To South Plant Transmission Project
Presenter:
Jessica K. Davis, Land Resource Manager, Colorado Springs Utilities
Travas Deal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Utilities
Summary:
Colorado Springs Utilities ("Utilities") requests that City Council approve a resolution that will allow Utilities to purchase real property, which is an approximately 6.981-acre portion of the parcel known as El Paso County Tax Schedule Number 6428300037, ("Property") from BNSF Railway Co. for the Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project.
Previous Council Action:
None.
Background:
On June 26, 2020, the Utilities Board approved the new Electric and Gas Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs). The IRPs commit Utilities to a new energy future that is cost-effective, resilient and environmentally sustainable. The IRPs call for grid modernization, integration of more cost-effective renewable energy and incorporation of new technologies like energy storage.
The Kelker to South Plant Transmission Project ("Project") will provide a new overhead single circuit 115kV transmission line from Kelker Substation to South Plant Substation. This added transmission infrastructure is needed to support the decommissioning of the South Plant Aeroderivative Generators. The Project is approximately 5 miles long and staff have been working with several private property owners, including the Colorado Department of Transportation, Union Pacific and BNSF Railroads, and City departments to acquire the property rights needed for the Project.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Colorado Springs City Charter, the City is empowered to acquire real property necessary for Utilities' projects. Section 9.6 of The City of Colorado Springs Procedure Manual for the Acquisition and Disposition of Real Property Interests, Revised 2021 (the "RES Manual") provides that if the total acquisition amount is greate...
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