Okanogan County PUD is going forward with design plans for the Pateros-to-Twisp 115-kilovolt transmission line.
Commissioners voted Aug. 21 to approve a contract with Pondera Engineers LLC to design the line.
The line has been the subject of controversy and lawsuits for several years, with some people in the Methow Valley advocating rebuilding the Loup Loup transmission line. The PUD wants to build the new line up the Methow Valley.
The line will replace the nearly 60-year-old Loup Loup line and will accommodate the growing load on the electrical system, according to the consulting services agreement.
Pondera will design the line to be built in the optimal location in compliance with an environmental impact statement released last year. Pondera will provide multiple scenarios of pole framings for consideration, according to the pact.
The company will use the TL-Pro computer program, a design program that takes into account framing, load, clearance requirements and terrain.
Pondera helped develop the program and so will be proficient in its use, said PUD chief engineer Derek Miller.
Miller was given approval to go forward with the contract and design at a cost of up to $40,000.
According to the service agreement, the design project should be complete by Dec. 30.