What is the project? 
Evergy is preparing to build approximately 13 miles of 115 kV transmission line to connect the Walnut substation, located near 298th Road and Walnut Street in Atchison, to the new Cyclone substation, which will be located near 169th Street and US-36 in Wathena.

Why is this transmission line needed?
The existing infrastructure went into operation in the 1970s and is nearing the end of its service life. The new infrastructure will enhance electric reliability for the community.

Will work be completed at the substations?
The new Cyclone substation will replace the existing Wathena substation, currently located near 175th Road and Clotilda Street. The Walnut substation will also be expanded as part of this project.

The existing transmission line will need to stay in service until the new Cyclone substation and Walnut-Cyclone transmission line are energized. New easements will be needed for the new transmission line with acquisition scheduled to begin in Fall 2027. Construction work is scheduled to begin in Spring-Summer 2029. The project is scheduled to be completed and in-service by the end of 2029. Property restoration will begin after construction is complete. Duration of restoration is weather dependent, but properties will be restored to the same or better than pre-construction conditions. An Evergy project representative will be available to discuss damage, if any, caused by construction.

When will my property be restored? 
Property restoration will begin after construction is complete. Duration of restoration is weather dependent, but properties will be restored to near-as-reasonable, pre-construction condition. An Evergy project representative will be available to discuss damage, if any, caused by construction.    

What will the line look like?
Structure types and heights will be determined during the transmission line design period after the final route has been determined, but the structures will likely be steel monopole or steel H-frame structures. The structure heights will vary but are likely to range between 80 to 120 feet tall. The span lengths between structures will vary but will likely be between 500 to 1000 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 2 to 8 feet in diameter, either on a concrete foundation or directly embedded into the ground. Turning structures (poles on street corners or where the line changes direction) will be larger than in-line structures (poles between turning structures). A new section of distribution line will be needed from the existing Wathena substation to the new Cyclone substation. This line has not been designed yet and may be developed as stand-alone equipment or in conjunction with the new transmission line. The alignment of the line, as well as structure types and heights, will be determined during the design period.

The structure heights will vary based on terrain and clearance from the electrical wires to the ground but are likely to range between 100 to 140 feet tall. The span lengths between structures will vary but will likely be between 700 to 1200 feet. The base of each structure will also vary but will likely be between 4 to 9 feet in diameter, either on a concrete foundation or directly embedded into the ground. Turning structures (poles on street corners or where the line changes direction) will be larger than in-line structures (poles between turning structures).

What process will be used to determine a preferred route for the new transmission line?
Evergy has contracted with a consultant to perform an evaluation of the area that will encompass land uses, environmental features (including the existence of protected plants and animals), historic and cultural resources and other criteria considered pertinent to the construction of an overhead electric transmission line. The intent of this evaluation is to minimize adverse impacts to residents, their land and the natural environment while providing a technically viable and cost-effective transmission line route.

Preliminary alternatives were developed by defining technically and environmentally feasible segments providing economical routes with minimal adverse social and environmental impacts that: Maximize the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries, and communication towers. Parallel existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights of way. Avoid wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands, protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance. Avoid placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells. Maintain a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs. Avoid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controlled areas which would restrict structure height or proximity to navigational aids.

How many routes will be evaluated? 
The consultant evaluates many proposed routes using a mathematical model that scores each route. The preferred route will be chosen from the group of routes with the best scores.

Will property owners and other stakeholders have input into the preferred route? 
As part of the transparent review and input process, Evergy will seek feedback from landowners, residents, state and local officials and environmental organizations to discuss the project, review proposed routes and answer any questions. Landowners along the proposed routes will have the opportunity to review the routes and provide input to Evergy. We will consider input from all stakeholders in selecting the preferred route.

How will you communicate with property owners affected by the project? 
Evergy is committed to transparent and timely communications with property owners. We are hosting an open house to share project details. Property owners along or near the potential transmission line routes will receive a letter of invitation, but the meeting is open to the community.

How will right-of-way be acquired for this project? 
When the final route is determined, we will contact landowners who have property on the final line route and discuss purchasing the easements necessary to build the line. This will allow property owners to continue most existing uses of their property. We provide one-time payments based on determination of the market property values in the local area. We will work respectfully with landowners throughout the siting, design and construction process to minimize impacts to their properties. It is our goal to reach mutually beneficial negotiated agreements with all landowners.

What if Evergy can't come to an agreement with landowners? 
Fortunately, that is a rare occurrence. We will make every effort to reach mutually beneficial negotiated agreements. We will exercise the right of eminent domain only as a last resort after exhausting attempts to obtain an easement through individual negotiations with a landowner.

Who will build the lines and manage the construction? 
Evergy will design and construct the transmission line using both Evergy resources and subcontractors depending on the task. Evergy will provide overall project management and coordination throughout construction, including oversight of subcontractors.

What environmental impacts will be considered in planning and designing the project? 
The environment is an important factor when planning and designing transmission line projects. Evergy works closely with various organizations, including the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Historical Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from the beginning of the project to make sure any direct environmental impact is appropriately identified and addressed. Such collaboration leads to developing a transmission line route that aligns with federal and state energy and environmental policy objectives. We adhere to all state and federal regulations to protect native plants, threatened or endangered species, wetlands, water and air quality.