Kansas regulators have approved the second

phase of a massive electric transmission line from the southwestern

part of the state into south-central Nebraska.

The power line will eventually stretch 225 miles from

Spearville, Kan., to Axtell, Neb. Phase I of the project, from

Spearville to Hays, was approved last year.

The Kansas Corporation

Commission has now approved Phase II, a 345,000-volt line from Hays

to the Nebraska border. The 85-mile line will be built on single

steel poles, each 100 to 150 feet tall and spaced about 900 feet

apart.

Topeka-based ITC Great Plains is building the Kansas stretch of

the line. Construction of the second phase is expected to cost

nearly $92 million.

The Kansas Corporation Commission collected public input at

several hearings before issuing its order last week.

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