Power lines now to go underground in south Carson area

NV Energy said it will bury parts of a new power line where it runs through a neighborhood in South Carson City.

The utility company originally planned to place poles along South Saliman Road between Koontz Lane and Fairview Drive. But neighbors said the line would block their views, decrease home values and possibly hurt their health.

In November, NV Energy said it would place the poles along the freeway.

John Perra, a utility service manager, told the Carson City Board of Supervisors Thursday that federal regulations on pole heights would make building along the freeway dangerous and cause unreliable service.

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada will have to decide if power customers or Carson City will pay for burying the power line between Colorado Street and Kingsley Lane, he said.

Perra said tests will have to be conducted before the cost of running the line underground can be determined.

Jim Gallegos, city freeway project manager, agreed with Perra that the power line could not be built along the freeway.

He said the power lines in South Carson City are already a problem that delays freeway work.

But Supervisor Pete Livermore said NV Energy hasn't shown the city or residents proof of why it even needs the new power line.

Homeowners have brought up many alternatives that the utility hasn't responded to, he said.

In other city news:

- Supervisors approved rezoning about 10 acres on Russell Way so the planned city recreation center could be built. They also approved rezoning about three acres nearby so the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada could sell that property next to its future club for apartments, condos or townhouses.

- The Horseshoe Club was fined $500 for selling alcohol to a minor within six months of its first violation.

- Contact reporter Dave Frank at dfrank@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.