The transmission project involves construction of a new 24-mile transmission line, crossing parts of both Drew and Desha counties, and expanded electrical facilities, including a new substation in Reed, to transfer power more reliably and efficiently into the region.
The proposed route involves a transmission line segment to the Monticello Industrial Park, where a new distribution substation will be built by the company to serve industrial and commercial customers.
Entergy Arkansas president and chief executive officer Hugh McDonald said: "The Monticello project is a productive investment into the long-term future of our state’s economy that will enable us to enhance customer reliability.
"The Monticello project is one of several significant investments that will enable us to support any prospective large industrial customers that may choose to locate along the Mississippi River corridor between Reed, Ark. and Greenville, Miss.."
A total of $2.4bn investment is being planned by Entergy Arkansas on generation, transmission and distribution improvements to the state’s electrical infrastructure from 2014 to 2017.
Additionally, the company is investing $25m in southeast Arkansas for a 27-mile transmission line from Lake Village that will terminate at the new Reed Substation.
The Lake Village project is being developed phases which include Lake Village to Macon Lake, completed June of 2014; Macon Lake to Dermott, due to start construction in fall of 2015, Dermott to McGehee, planned for completion by June 2016, and McGehee to Reed, slated for completion by June 2017.
