The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Westminster, Colorado, U.S.) has contracted Burns & McDonnell (Kansas City, Missouri, U.S., www.burnsmcd.com) to act as the Owner's Engineer on a major transmission project in western Kansas and eastern and southern Colorado.

The Eastern Plains Transmission Project (EPTP; www.wapa.gov/transmission/eptp.htm), a proposed joint construction project between Tri-State and the Western Area Power Administration, will include more than 1000 miles (1609 km)of new 230-, 345- and 500-kV transmission lines and 10 new and upgraded substations. The EPTP will support new coal-fired generation in western Kansas and eastern Colorado.

Tri-State has the project responsibility for completion of all substation work associated with EPTP. As Owner's Engineer, Burns & McDonnell will prepare bid documents, and manage design and construction activities for several large engineer, procure and construct (EPC) contracts for greenfield substations and a dc converter station.

The Western Area Power Administration has responsibility for the design and construction of the major transmission system. Burns & McDonnell will participate in development of design criteria and monitor the design and the construction on behalf of Tri-State. Tri-State will acquire all material for the transmission lines and major electrical substation components of the project. Burns & McDonnell will lead the procurement, expediting and material management efforts. The first modified EPC Request(s) for Proposal will be sent out in late 2007. Construction is expected to start in early 2009.

“The Eastern Plains project is yet another example of Burns & McDonnell's unparalleled qualifications in the management of large programs,” said Gary Pence, vice president, Burns & McDonnell. “We appreciate the trust and confidence that Tri-State has shown in Burns & McDonnell by selecting our team to help deliver power to its member cooperatives.”

Burns & McDonnell will manage the project from its Denver, Colorado, office and will establish several field offices and material staging yards to support construction inspection services and material management.

“Our local presence, outstanding staff and long-time relationship with Tri-State will allow Burns & McDonnell to help manage the project to successful completion,” said Paul Fischer, vice president and Burns & McDonnell Denver office manager.