August
9,
2007
By Robin Kaminski/The Daily Item
The cost to relocate transmission lines off of the Lynn
Harbor waterfront, excluding land rights, will cost roughly
$4.5 million to complete, according to the Lynn Harbor
Line Relocation Study by Vanderweil Engineers,
The estimate, which has not yet gone out to contractors
for review and bid, is based upon current market conditions
and is higher than previous estimates due to construction
costs and materials.
State funds were recently awarded to the city totaling
$2.5 million to assist in the process, with the remaining
costs paid for by stakeholders according to Councilor at
Large Paul Crowley.
"I'm very optimistic that the deal can be worked
out with General Electric within the next three months," he
said. "Discussions have been ongoing and I understand
that they may be looking for something in return, along
the lines of changes to tax laws that would be favorable
to them. However, it shouldn't be of any cost to the city."
Crowley, who said he has been working on the issue for
the past two years with Ward 6 Councilor Peter Capano,
said relocating the power lines is a major piece of the
puzzle.
"There was talk initially of burying the power lines
underground, but the cost would be just too great," he
said. "In 30 years, someone might say that they need
to develop around the GE site and that the power lines
are now in their way...but that's an issue for another
day."
Approximately 24 towers would be relocated within roughly
one mile of transmission lines that lie in between the
General Edwards Bridge and the sewage treatment plant.
New double circuit transmission towers would be installed
in their place.
"The timing is actually pretty good for this project,
because the power lines were set to receive an upgrade
in the near future anyway," Capano said. "So
this would save money along the way as
well."
According to the study, once the project is approved,
it's expected to take approximately 2.5 years to complete
the relocation, based upon a four month engineering study,
12 months to complete licensing requirements, eight months
for material acquisition and six months for construction.
An environmental assessment completed by Vanasse Hangen
Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) assessed the environmental, permitting,
licensing and land rights required to move the project
forward.
While the study found there were no rare or endangered
species located within the transmission lines, VHB determined
that a soil management plan needs to be completed to address
areas of suspected contamination.
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