Saddle Creek 73: Fact Sheet
Project Description:
		The Saddle Creek 73 Project is designed to reduce load on existing circuits supplying the Union and St. Clair Communities.
		The project involves building a new 34,500-volt sub-transmission line extending 7 miles from the Saddle Creek Substation, located near Gray Summit, to an existing 34,500-volt sub-transmission line on Old County Farm Road, just east of Union.
		The line will be constructed to 138,000-volt standards using predominantly two-pole wood "H-frame" structures ranging in height from 60 to 100 feet.
		It will not be necessary for AmerenUE to purchase any property for the project, only utility easements. The typical easement width for this project will be 120 feet. 20 feet of easement is being acquired for a future 34,500 volt sub-transmission line that will run parallel and adjacent to the wood “H-frame” structures described above.
		The total cost of the project will be approximately $6.2 million.
		AmerenUE expects to have the new transmission line in service by December 2010.
Why It’s Needed:
		The summer peak electric load in Franklin County and the surrounding area has grown by 50% while the winter peak electric load as grown by 30% since AmerenUE’s last major area transmission system upgrade in 1993. The company expects customer energy demand to grow an additional 2%-3% per year.
		Customers directly benefiting by this project are those in or adjacent to the communities of Union and St. Clair. However, all communities in Franklin County will benefit either directly or indirectly by preparing for future load growth and by introducing a diversity of supply, thus creating a more reliable system.
Public Involvement:
		AmerenUE attempts to select transmission line routes that have the least overall impact on residents, the community and the environment.
		Public participation is a key part of the route selection process because local residents and public officials know their area better than anyone else.
		To determine the potential transmission line corridors a computer generated Geographic Information System (GIS) was developed using Global Positioning System (GPS) type data. The many information overlays consisted of geography, land-uses, real estate property lines, populated areas, flood plains, conservation areas, endangered wildlife habitat and archeological locations.
		In October 2007 AmerenUE sought comments at a Community Advisory Workshop. Those included were city and county officials, business leaders, the Missouri Farm Bureau, state resource agency officials, and others who are knowledgeable about local geography, growth patterns and economic conditions.
		Following the October Community Advisory Workshop AmerenUE sent letters to everyone who owns property within 300 feet of any of the proposed routes inviting them to an Informational Workshop to discuss the project.
		At the February 7, 2008 Informational Workshop, property owners will have an opportunity to meet with members of the AmerenUE team responsible for the project, view detailed maps and aerial photographs of the proposed routes, ask questions, and provide comments.
		Property owners who are not able to attend the Informational Workshop can mail or fax their comments within 14 days after the meeting to: Ameren Real Estate Department – MC 700, PO Box 66149, St. Louis, MO 63166-6149, 314-554-2570 (Fax).
		AmerenUE will consider the comments, suggestions and recommendations received from property owners in determining the final route and design.
Regulatory Approval:
		This project is entirely within AmerenUE's authorized service area. Approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission is not required.
Timing:
		AmerenUE expects to begin construction on the project in September 2009 and complete it by December 2010.