Electric system reliability will be improved in the Wisconsin Northwoods with recent approval of the Clear Lake-Woodmin transmission line, according to American Transmisison Co. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has authorized construction of the 7.2-mile line between the Clear Lake Substation southeast of Woodruff on Highway 47 and the proposed Woodmin Substation west of Highway 47 in the town of Arbor Vitae.

“We appreciate the involvement and participation of local officials and community residents as we worked to identify an appropriate project,” said Lee Meyerhofer, senior local relations representative for ATC. “We will continue to stay in touch with landowners and officials as we take our project into the construction phase.”

Construction of the $21 million project will begin in Fall 2011. Much of the new line will be built following an existing electric distribution line and road right-of-way. Only about seven acres of new right-of-way will be needed.

The project is needed to support the local distribution network. Wisconsin Public Service Corp., the local distribution utility, will build the Woodmin Substation.