City of Davis

April 22, 2009 – City of Davis Comments, Proposed TANC Transmission Project

Mr. David Young
NEPA Document Manager
Western Area Power Administration, Sierra Nevada Region
114 Parkshore Drive
Folsom CA 95630

RE: City of Davis Comments, Proposed TANC Transmission Project

Dear Mr. Young:

The City of Davis has been made aware of the Notice of Preparation for the proposed TANC Transmission Project. The Davis community has a strong history in supporting energy conservation and options for alternative energy conservation. However, the purpose of the TANC proposal requires much clarification before it can be determined that the project should be approved in any location.

The recently-released maps show the proposed study area extending over residences in Davis and unincorporated Yolo County, as well as property owned by the City of Davis east of the incorporated city limits. This alterative should be removed from consideration in the EIR/EIS, or re-routed to avoid impacts on Davis.

The central alternative for the Central Segment would have significant impacts on City of Davis and its residents, including aesthetics and potential health hazards. A subsidized apartment complex is within the study area, as is land being considered for a youth sports facility. Your Notice of Preparation states a desire to avoid residential and environmentally sensitive areas, but this alternative is fails to meet that objective. The alternatives should include co-locating the TANC lines with existing power lines in northern California, rather than new locations with additional impacts.

We are also concerned that the scoping process did not include any public meetings or published notice in Yolo County. Our residents deserve an opportunity to ask questions and voice their concerns. We believe it is necessary for you to expand opportunities for public participation to include our area. In particular, we are requesting an extended process of scoping and at least one formal, publicly advertised meeting in Davis or Woodland. The City can assist in public outreach and providing a facility, if necessary.

I trust that you will hear our concerns and incorporate them as you refine the TANC proposal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Community Development Department Katherine Hess at (530)757-5652, or khess@cityofdavis.org.

Sincerely,

Ruth Uy Asmundson, PhD
Mayor