Route Decision for Clean Line Project

The route for a controversial multi-state power line may be coming through Ralls County Missouri and Pike County Illinois.

A representative for Clean Line Energy Partners told Pike County Missouri Commissioners on Monday that the route decision has been made. According to the representative, the high-voltage electricity line would run through Randolph, Monroe and Ralls counties in Missouri and Pike County in Illinois.

A formal announcement is expected later this week. Clean Line would not confirm the comments. Route selection is just one component of the project. The Houston-based company still must receive construction approval from utility regulators in Missouri and Illinois.

The line would transfer electricity produced by wind power along a 700-mile stretch from Kansas to Indiana. The company says the project would create jobs, reduce pollution and be more efficient than traditional transmission lines. Opponents are concerned about land values, property rights and what they say is a lack of benefit to Missouri electricity customers.