High-Voltage Transmission Line Connecting Iowa and Wisconsin Goes Live, Boosting Renewable Energy
Construction Completed on Major Midwest Transmission Line
A group of utilities announced the completion of construction work on a high-voltage transmission line connecting Iowa and Wisconsin. The 102-mile (164-kilometer) Cardinal-Hickory Creek line, which links Dubuque County, Iowa, to Dane County, Wisconsin, is now fully operational.
The project, a collaborative effort between American Transmission Company, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and ITC Midwest, began construction in April 2021. The 345-kilovolt line was fully energized on Thursday, marking the culmination of the project that finished late last week.
This new transmission line is expected to bring significant benefits to the region, including improved electrical reliability and support for renewable energy projects.
However, the project has not been without controversy. In March, a coalition of conservation groups filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the final mile (1.6 kilometers) of construction across the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. The groups expressed concerns about potential damage to the refuge and alleged improper land acquisition from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Despite these challenges, a federal appellate court allowed work to continue in May.
The utilities involved in the project have emphasized their commitment to environmental protection. They reported using wooden mats to reduce soil disturbance during construction, and no grading took place throughout the process.
The project has received support from the federal government. John Podesta, senior advisor to President Joe Biden on international climate policy, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of clean energy infrastructure. Podesta stated that the project demonstrates the ability to bring clean, affordable power to the Midwest.
As the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line begins operations, it represents a significant step forward in the region’s energy infrastructure, balancing the need for increased electrical capacity with environmental considerations.
