PEORIA, Ariz. (March 5, 2009) – The Arizona
Corporation Commission’s approval of a recommendation to place two Arizona
Public Service (APS) power lines along the State Route 74 (SR-74) corridor in
Peoria is being lauded as a big win for the citizens of Peoria.
The city joined forces with its citizens to fight
a battle worth fighting,” said Cathy Carlat, City Councilmember from Peoria’s
Mesquite District, where the line power lines will run. “This win is big and it
shows what we can accomplish when we unite in strength.”
APS preferred a route along the Carefree Highway
alignment, which would have split the city’s northern half and run close to
existing homes. Peoria officials joined with representatives from the Vistancia
and Saddleback Heights communities and other agencies to back the SR-74
alignment.
The approved alignment will have the least amount
of impact on any planned community within Peoria and takes into consideration,
terrain, existing washes and other environmental concerns. The SR-74 route
through Peoria also is shorter and is estimated to cost less to build than the
original route proposed by APS.
The City of Peoria has assured APS of its
continued assistance in coordinating acquisition of rights-of-way and any
regulatory approvals required to place the lines in the SR-74 corridor.
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