American Transmission Co. (ATC) is beginning a multi-year public outreach process for the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project with the first in a series of informational open houses for residents and other stakeholders in the 150-mi project study area in late September and early October. ATC is hosting eight open houses throughout the project study area to provide stakeholders with more information about the project and answer questions.

Studies indicate that a 345-kV transmission line from the La Crosse area to the greater Madison area would provide multiple benefits to the state of Wisconsin including improved electric system reliability, economic savings for utilities and energy consumers, and better access to renewable energy.

“Before ATC seeks local or regulatory approval for a project, a comprehensive public involvement process takes place to gather input and feedback for a proposed transmission line,” said ATC Local Relations Manager Sarah Justus. “We invite everyone who could be impacted by the project to get involved. Successful planning and siting of transmission lines that bring power into your communities depends on local participation.”

ATC will hold three more rounds of open houses over the next two years to gather public input and narrow potential routes before filing an application to build the line with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, anticipated in 2013. If approved by the PSC, construction of the new line would begin in 2016 to meet an in-service date of 2018.

A map and additional information on the Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project is available at www.BadgerCoulee.com.