Ameren Illinois to host public meetings on proposed Mississippi River transmission line
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
GRAND TOWER, Ill. (KBSI) – Ameren Illinois will host public meetings Nov. 17 and 18 to gather feedback on a proposed electrical transmission line connecting Missouri and Illinois across the Mississippi River.
The Grand Tower Crossing Project would include construction of approximately 4 miles of new 138-kilovolt transmission line between Citizens Electric’s existing Wittenberg substation in Perry County, Missouri, and a proposed Jenkins substation near Grand Tower in Jackson County, Illinois.
According to Ameren Illinois, the project is intended to improve electrical reliability, increase transmission capacity and support economic development in the region.
The project involves Ameren Illinois, Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois and Citizens Electric Corporation.
Ameren Illinois would oversee construction of the Illinois portion of the transmission line, the river crossing and the new Jenkins substation. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois would develop the Missouri portion, while Citizens Electric would expand its existing Wittenburg substation.
Residents can learn more about the proposal and provide feedback during three open house sessions at the Grand Tower Civic Center, 610 Front St.
Public meeting dates and times:
– Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m.
– Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each session will provide the same information, allowing residents to review the proposed route corridor and share concerns or suggestions.
“Open houses are an important part of our routing process because we hear directly from the people who know these communities best,” said Eric Paulek, project manager for the Grand Tower Crossing Project. “The feedback we receive from landowners, residents and other community members will help inform our evaluation as we work toward identifying a route for the project.”
A virtual open house and interactive map will also be available beginning Nov. 17, allowing residents to review project details and submit comments online.
The Missouri Public Service Commission approved the Missouri portion of the project earlier this year. Ameren Illinois plans to submit an application to the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2027 for approval of the Illinois portion.
The companies hope to have the transmission line in service by the end of 2028.
Additional information is available at Ameren.com/GrandTowerCrossing. Residents can also contact the project team at 800-488-7119 or connect@grandtowercrossing.com.
