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Uncertainty over tower counts and pending BLM permits clouds revenue estimates
Summary
Speakers disputed the number of transmission towers and whether BLM or deeded placements are included in revenue projections; staff reported permits are still at federal review and not yet public, complicating county revenue modeling.
Participants repeatedly raised concerns that the number of towers used in the petition’s revenue projections could be inflated by including towers on BLM or deeded parcels without contracts. Speaker 6 cautioned that mapped placements on deeds can ‘‘skew your number’’ and noted that some permits remain at federal review in Washington, D.C.
"There's 12 towers next to us that are on BLM," Speaker 6 said, and later added that a total of "143 miles, and 22 of that was on BLM" was discussed as part of broader transmission estimates. The group agreed this unresolved data weakens confidence in the county's fiscal projections and asked staff to try to obtain clearer maps or permit lists before finalizing the resolution.
Participants also compared neighboring Custer County’s experience, noting different millage and road‑crew sizes that affect how much of any new revenue would support county services. The group recorded that permit details may be withheld until federal approval, limiting what staff could share publicly at this stage.
