Project Timeline
2026
February 10
Incidental Take Permit
February 9
NPPD received the necessary Record of Decision from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allowing construction to begin on the R-Project.
2022
November 17–December 19
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service public comment period for Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement scope
2020
June
Project construction paused when the federal district court for the District of Colorado vacated the Incidental Take Permit
February
Began substation construction and distribution line relocations
2019
July
Began pre-construction activities
June 12
Habitat conservation plan approved: Incidental take permit issued
January 10
Awarded construction contracts to Forbes Bros. Timberline Construction, Inc.
2017
September 8–November 7
Second U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the R-Project transmission line
May 12–July 11
First U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement of the R-Project transmission line
2016
November 14–17
Conducted Community Conversation Meetings
2015
December
Began easement acquisition
July 7
Memorandum of Understanding between NPPD and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service executed for preparation of Habitat Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
January 20
Final route announced via letters to landowners
2014
November 4, 6, 10, 12
NPPD Public Hearings in Logan, Lincoln, Thomas, Blaine, Garfield, Loup, Wheeler and Holt Counties
October 10
Nebraska Power Review Board approves project
May 19
Southwest Power Pool approves Notice to Construct
April 29–30, May 1, 5–7
NPPD Open Houses on Alternative & Preferred Line Routes in Stapleton, Sutherland, Thedford, Bartlett, Dunning and Burwell
2013
September 9–11, 16–17
NPPD Open Houses on Corridors in Thedford, Sutherland, Dunning, Stapleton, Burwell and Bartlett
January 14–17, 21–22
NPPD Open Houses on Study Area in Tryon, Hershey, Halsey, Mullen, Chambers and Ainsworth
2012
April 19
Southwest Power Pool approved Notice to Construct (with Conditions)