West Central Reporter

A new transmission line will run through part of the 93rd House District. Illinois state Rep. Travis Weaver told his constituents about the open houses to discuss that line, in an Aug. 3 Facebook post.

"Ameren's Transmission branch will be hosting several open houses next week to discuss a new line that will run through a portion of the 93rd District. Feel free to stop by and learn about the project, as well as voice your feedback to members of Ameren's staff," Weaver's office said in the Facebook post.

Weaver shared information in a press release about both open houses and the meetings scheduled for those events. The dates, times, and locations for the open houses include Peoria County, Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Bartonville American Legion Post 979, 4501 Airport Road, Bartonville; and Fulton County, Thursday, Aug. 10, at Big Horse Vineyards, 11603 N County HWY 9, Lewiston. Two meetings are scheduled for each open house: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.

The new transmission line was announced in 2022, with its first open house on Sept. 12 of that year to discuss what they call the “Peoria County Reliability Project,” which includes a 138-kilovolt transmission line, according to a March 2022 Central Illinois Proud report. The estimated completion date for this project is December 2025.

Ameren created a website that dives into the Peoria County Reliability Project. The project will connect the existing Alta substation in Peoria County, Illinois to the existing Pioneer substation in the City of Peoria, according to the project website. The organization showed the project schedule started in 2022 for data collection and design including gathering stakeholder and agency input, as well as identification of the final route. In 2023, Ameren will get the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity decision, and continue with engineering and permitting; environmental surveys and permitting; and easement acquisition. Pre-construction and construction are estimated for 2024, with the project coming into service in 2025.

Weaver was elected to represent the 93rd House District in 2022. He is a lifelong Illinois resident and has a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Marketing from the University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. He spends his free time tutoring GED students, competing in marathons, and working as a substitute teacher. He lives in Edwards, Illinois, according to his legislative biography.