News

Evergy Transmission Line Project

by Madeline McCullough and Laura Elliott

State Representative John Carmichael hosted an informal meeting with representatives from Evergy, City of Wichita Engineering, state, city and county officials, and concerned citizens on April 18, 2022 at the Fresh Air Baby Camp. The discussion on the proposed transmission line project was, at times, passionate and spirited. The first phase of the “Wichita Riverside Project” replaces transmission lines from the 17th street substation (17th & Emporia) to the Riverside substation (11th & Jefferson), primarily impacting Historic Midtown. The next phase of the project will take the transmission lines from the Riverside substation to the Plaza substation (West Central near the Keeper of the Plains), impacting Riverside neighborhoods and parks. Facts: • Existing power poles are 60-70 years old, are beginning to fail required inspections, do not meet current codes and need to be replaced. • When replaced, transmission lines must be brought up to current codes. • Whatever the line route, transmission lines must connect the three existing substations. • Evergy’s initial planning is less than 30% complete. • The City has no authority to compel Evergy to do or not do any particular design. Currently, Evergy’s plan is to follow the existing line route, erecting new steel poles 5 feet or more in diameter and 70- 100 feet tall every 132 feet. These lines would cut through historic districts, neighborhoods, parks, and across the river in two places. Citizens asked about alternatives such as underground lines, smaller poles or different routes – proposing alternate, more industrial corridors (as in along the railroad line). Evergy was noncommittal, saying they really didn’t have a strong plan B. Citizen input now may influence the outcome of the overall project. Things to keep in consideration: • These are transmission lines – significantly larger than distribution or service lines, requiring substantial right of way and clearances. • Underground lines are more expensive and complicated than overhead transmission lines. • Alternate routing will also increase costs. • Substructures such as curbs, sidewalks, vegetation (trees and plantings) as part of right-of-way restoration along new installations need to be addressed. Citizens appeared concerned and distrustful of the Evergy presenters, speaking of impact on their home values, historic significance and aesthetic appeal, neighborhood and community – a lifestyle important to them. A strong vital city cares about its neighborhoods, both physically in the buildings, sidewalks, streets and foliage, and in the strength of community. An alternative to Evergy’s current plan could be a catalyst for investment in the heart of the city for other infrastructure improvements. Participating citizens asked about restrictions/input/guidelines from the national, state and local historical societies. The possibility of additional money that may be available through grants or gifts to offset changes to project design was brought up. It was pointed out that this project affects not just our neighborhood, but all local and out-of-state visitors in historic Riverside park systems. The Little Arkansas Community Coalition has done an enormous amount of research on this subject. Their website contains an interactive map, pictures, notes, and information on what other cities and energy providers have done across the country. https://littlearkansascommunitycoalition.org/call-toaction/ The “Wichita Riverside Project” is underway in Historic Midtown and coming to Riverside. If you are disturbed by the thought of monstrous steel poles running through the heart of historic neighborhoods and parks, get involved! Don’t just complain. How to contribute? Engage, go to meetings, contact your representatives, provide potential solutions and understand limits. As a community, we need to have early and continuing communication with Evergy. We need to be reasonable, get the facts and go into the conversations with knowledge if we want to mitigate the impact of this project for the sake of us now and for future Riverside generations.