Wyoming Legislature passes transmission infrastructure bill

Portland, Me. (Platts)--4Mar2004

The Wyoming Legislature has approved legislation to create a state authority that can issue up to $1-bil in bonds to build electric transmission lines to support new generation projects in the state. Wyoming Gov Dave Freudenthal plans to sign the bill, an aide to the governor said Thursday. The bill (SF 52), which was approved earlier by the state Senate and late Wednesday by the House, would create the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, governed by a five-member board. The authority will work with utilities to build and upgrade transmission lines. The authority can finance, own and build the lines in cases where private investment isn't coming forward. Wyoming has massive coal and wind reserves but little transmission capability. If new lines are built, coal and wind power can be generated in the state and exported, boosting the local economy, according to the bill's backers. Salt Lake City and Denver would be two key markets for exports from Wyoming, the aide said, adding California would be the ultimate market.