Planning commission approves Kings Valley transmission-line relocation along US 285
August 13, 2025 | Jefferson County, Colorado
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The Jefferson County Planning Commission on Aug. 13, 2025, unanimously approved the Kings Valley Transmission Line Project (Case 25-115493SA), a Core Electric Cooperative application to install a new transmission line near mile markers 232–233 on U.S. Highway 285 and to place existing under-build distribution lines underground.
Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal met the county’s five location-and-extent criteria including compatibility with surrounding land uses, conformity with the Comprehensive Master Plan, limited environmental impacts and mitigation, availability of infrastructure, and no anticipated threat to health and safety. Reid Powers, the county case manager, told the commission, “Staff is recommending approval of case 25Dash115493, the Core Valley transmission Line Project, and I’m happy to take any questions.”
The project is driven by a planned Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) road improvement at the Kings Valley interchange, which requires moving portions of the existing transmission facilities that now sit in CDOT right of way. Derek Holscher, the Oltec Engineering representative for Core Electric, said, “The main reason we’re here in front of you tonight is the CDOT project that’s proposed at 285 in Kings Valley, interchange.” Core’s application proposes a new transmission alignment that stays largely within the existing utility and transportation corridor and places the lower-voltage distribution lines underground along a parallel route.
During public testimony homeowner Cinda Wilson said she had not received written notice about the highway project and raised concerns about easements, a septic system within the easement area and possible construction impacts on her masonry home. “There was nothing in the disclosure concerning the highway project that was coming up,” Wilson said. The applicant and case manager responded that Core has been conducting outreach, that the transmission work would not require blasting and that any sidewalk or boring work associated with the distribution burial would be located on the south side of the highway; they also said pole placement could be adjusted to avoid septic systems where feasible. Holscher told the commission Core is working to secure required transmission easements and expects to complete easement acquisition in 2026, and that final construction timing depends on CDOT’s schedule.
Staff noted environmental surveys and routing choices were intended to avoid a mapped wetland and other sensitive resources; the applicant said distribution trenching would be bored where practical to limit disturbance. Holscher said Core has a wildfire mitigation program and provided a “proof of protection” letter from Elk Creek Fire Protection District. He also told the commission that electromagnetic-field levels from the facility are “well below the levels instigated by the Colorado PUC.”
Commissioner Spencer moved to approve the case, and Commissioner Lyles seconded. Chairman Rogers announced the vote: “The motion passes unanimously.” The tally recorded five aye votes; no nays or abstentions were recorded.
Action items following the approval include securing all necessary transmission easements from private landowners before construction and coordinating timing and design with CDOT. Staff and the applicant said several engineering and site-specific details will be resolved through the county’s standard permitting and easement processes prior to construction.
The commission’s approval grants the location-and-extent permission required by county code; the applicant will next complete easement acquisition and coordinate CDOT schedule and design before physical construction begins.
Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal met the county’s five location-and-extent criteria including compatibility with surrounding land uses, conformity with the Comprehensive Master Plan, limited environmental impacts and mitigation, availability of infrastructure, and no anticipated threat to health and safety. Reid Powers, the county case manager, told the commission, “Staff is recommending approval of case 25Dash115493, the Core Valley transmission Line Project, and I’m happy to take any questions.”
The project is driven by a planned Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) road improvement at the Kings Valley interchange, which requires moving portions of the existing transmission facilities that now sit in CDOT right of way. Derek Holscher, the Oltec Engineering representative for Core Electric, said, “The main reason we’re here in front of you tonight is the CDOT project that’s proposed at 285 in Kings Valley, interchange.” Core’s application proposes a new transmission alignment that stays largely within the existing utility and transportation corridor and places the lower-voltage distribution lines underground along a parallel route.
During public testimony homeowner Cinda Wilson said she had not received written notice about the highway project and raised concerns about easements, a septic system within the easement area and possible construction impacts on her masonry home. “There was nothing in the disclosure concerning the highway project that was coming up,” Wilson said. The applicant and case manager responded that Core has been conducting outreach, that the transmission work would not require blasting and that any sidewalk or boring work associated with the distribution burial would be located on the south side of the highway; they also said pole placement could be adjusted to avoid septic systems where feasible. Holscher told the commission Core is working to secure required transmission easements and expects to complete easement acquisition in 2026, and that final construction timing depends on CDOT’s schedule.
Staff noted environmental surveys and routing choices were intended to avoid a mapped wetland and other sensitive resources; the applicant said distribution trenching would be bored where practical to limit disturbance. Holscher said Core has a wildfire mitigation program and provided a “proof of protection” letter from Elk Creek Fire Protection District. He also told the commission that electromagnetic-field levels from the facility are “well below the levels instigated by the Colorado PUC.”
Commissioner Spencer moved to approve the case, and Commissioner Lyles seconded. Chairman Rogers announced the vote: “The motion passes unanimously.” The tally recorded five aye votes; no nays or abstentions were recorded.
Action items following the approval include securing all necessary transmission easements from private landowners before construction and coordinating timing and design with CDOT. Staff and the applicant said several engineering and site-specific details will be resolved through the county’s standard permitting and easement processes prior to construction.
The commission’s approval grants the location-and-extent permission required by county code; the applicant will next complete easement acquisition and coordinate CDOT schedule and design before physical construction begins.
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