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BLM expects to clear geotechnical work on SWIP North; describes 500 kV transmission alignment
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management said it expects to issue a notice to proceed for geotechnical drilling on SWIP North, part of a 500‑kilovolt transmission line connecting Shoshone, Idaho, to Ely, which may affect regional transmission tie‑ins.
Brady Eldens said BLM hoped to issue a notice to proceed for geotechnical drilling on SWIP North this week and described the work as a continuation of transmission‑line activity that crosses county and state lines.
"We are hoping this week if all shakes out to issue a notice to proceed for geotechnical drilling on SWIP North," Eldens said, noting the work is on the Idaho side and continues the project to move a 500‑kilovolt transmission line from Shoshone, Idaho, toward Ely.
Eldens said the SWIP corridor opens opportunities for future solar and wind projects to tie into larger transmission infrastructure, but he cautioned that developers' interest patterns and land‑use constraints shape where new generation is sited. Commissioners asked whether Nevada applicants are positioning to tie in; Eldens said solar and wind developers have shown interest but have paid more attention to northern corridors to date.
The BLM described the drilling as part of larger regional planning and said any developer interconnections would be subject to land‑use plans and environmental constraints.
