Webster Area Development Corporation (WADC) is pleased to announce that Webster
will play a large part in the 2016-2019 construction of the Big Stone South to
Ellendale (BSSE) Transmission Line by Otter Tail Power Company and
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.
“This
is a great opportunity for Day County,” said Tom Sannes, WADC board president.
“The county will receive thousands of dollars in new property tax revenue annually,
and the construction will create new job opportunities and boost the local
economy.”
The
BSSE project’s primary construction “laydown” yard will be located on the 90
acres north of Commerce Lane in Webster Industrial Park. With the help of City
of Webster and Webster Scale, WADC recently constructed a new road to provide
direct access to SD Hwy-25, which will not only be advantageous for BSSE but
also for future development of the industrial park.
“We are thrilled that Otter Tail Power Company
and Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. have chosen Webster to host their main laydown
yard and offices,” said Melissa Waldner, WADC executive director. “Webster has
the perfect location and amenities to accommodate the needs of the BSSE project
and its staff.”
In
addition, the Lake Region Business Center will host the BSSE field office at
1209 Main Street, Webster, including 3-4 offices and a large meeting area for frequent
project meetings. Renovations will be completed by the end of the year.
Construction
of the new 345-kV transmission line will include the installation of 753
single-pole structures. The line will cross 162 miles to connect two new
substations in Big Stone City, SD, and Ellendale, ND. Right-of-way land
preparations began this fall, and construction will ramp up in 2016 for about
two years. Planning has been ongoing since 2008 for the transmission line,
estimated to cost between $293-370 million.
Webster
Scale was recently selected as the successful bidder to construct the main
laydown yard in Webster Industrial Park as well as the two smaller laydown
yards near Milbank and Frederick. Webster Scale will also serve as the
road access contractor throughout the project area.
As
owners of the BSSE line, Otter Tail Power Company and Montana-Dakota Utilities
Co. estimate they will pay Day County between $535,000-755,000 annually for
property taxes after purchasing land rights to install 236 structures in rural Day
County. The companies will also boost area schools through tax payments.
“The
City of Webster welcomes all from the BSSE project to the community!” said
Mayor Mike Grosek. “Webster has become busier each year with new businesses and
community projects. We are fortunate to add a multi-million dollar project like
BSSE to the mix.”
Local
businesses that provide lodging, meals, fuel and other consumer goods and
services will see an increase in traffic and sales during the construction
period due to new workers in town as well as managers visiting for meetings at
the Business Center.
WADC
will partner with Webster Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Webster to
provide welcome guides to all contractors and workers involved in the BSSE
project.
“The
Webster Area Development Corporation has been proactive on this project,” said
Cris Oehler, project spokesperson and Vice President of Public Relations at
Otter Tail Power Company. “They understand the value the project will bring to
the area and have been advocates for their community and its resources. We
appreciate their welcome and assistance, and we look forward to continuing this
partnership.”
For
more information, visit BSSETransmissionLine.com or call 1-888-283-4678.
