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Authority approves $6.75 million Stillwater transmission-line replacement, awards engineering contract
Summary
Trustees approved a two‑phase project to replace a deteriorated 69 kV transmission loop section from the GRDA Stillwater substation toward Ferguson, estimated at $6.75 million; AF Associates LLC received a $704,442.34 engineering contract and trustees authorized up to $810,109 from the electric stabilization fund including contingency.
The Stillwater Utilities Authority on Sept. 8 approved a project to replace the highest‑priority section of a 69,000‑volt transmission loop, authorizing an engineering contract and project funding to begin procurement and construction planning.
Lauren Smith, electric utility director, described the loop as supplying five substations from three 138 kV sources and identified the section from the GRDA Stillwater 69 substation to the Ferguson substation as “the section in the highest need of replacement.” She said pole‑testing and a drone flyover showed poles on the section were installed about 60 years ago and were in deteriorated condition.
Staff presented a two‑phase plan that begins with engineering services. Trustees approved a contract with AF Associates LLC for engineering in the amount of $704,442.34 and authorized expenditures from the electric stabilization fund up to $810,109; staff estimated the overall project cost at about $6,750,000. The motion and staff presentation noted procurement for materials and construction will follow engineering approval.
Trustees asked how the authority determines replacement timing. Smith said the authority renewed a pole testing program, identified poles in distress, and used a drone inspection to assess remote segments and tight easements. She described the replacement work as system hardening to maintain reliability.
The motion to accept staff recommendation passed by a 4–0 vote.
The staff presentation named Rob Hill as the person who performed the drone flyover; no further supplier procurement details or construction schedules were specified in the meeting record.
