Utilities Plan Cross-State Transmission Line

Portland- Idaho Power and Portland General Electric (PGE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as the basis for cooperation on proposed transmission lines originating near the city of Boardman in eastern Oregon. Idaho Power applied for permits to construct a proposed 300-mile, 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting the Boardman power plant with the planned Hemingway station near Melba, Idaho. PGE is still evaluating plans for its proposed Southern Crossing 500kV project. The agreement provides the two utilities opportunity to integrate a portion of the proposed transmission lines if both projects move forward.

The utilities will explore mutual opportunities relating to the two transmission projects as well as their interconnection with existing facilities in the Boardman area. These activities could contribute to development of an interconnected transmission hub in the area – a concept currently under discussion among transmission providers throughout the region. The two projects are among a number of proposed transmission projects in eastern Oregon that are being coordinated by the Transmission Coordination Work Group. Idaho Power and PGE are both participants in the group.

No major interregional transmission lines have been built in the Pacific Northwest in more than a decade.

Lake Oswego Floating Sewage Line Bidding

Lake Oswego – The city of Lake Oswego is accepting bids until March 19 on a dual, 23,000 lin ft sewage line that will float off the bottom of the Lake. Nine contractors prequalified for the project, estimated to cost between $30 million and $40 million. The “Lake Full” portion of the project, is just one of six contracts that will be implemented to replace the sewage line. Work is expected to be completed in 2012 and cost close to $100 million.

The city studied 15 alternate ways to upgrade its sewage line. The final choices were placing the line around the lake, or floating it off the bottom, says Jane Heisler, engineering department spokesperson. “We decided it would be easier to maintain if it were in the lake.”

The gravity flow line will be placed on pilings, then tethered to steel anchors drilled into the bedrock under the lake. The tethers are adjustable to take into account water levels and water temperature, which can affect the depth of the pipe. Once the pipe is tethered, it can be kept easily at the proper grade, says Heisler.

OTIA Project Meets 100th Bridge Landmark

Salem - The Oregon Department of Transportation marked a milestone as it completed the 100th bridge in a proactive 10-year program to protect Oregon bridges and stimulate the state’s economy. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature created the $1.3 billion OTIA III State Bridge

Delivery Program to repair or replace 365 highway bridges throughout Oregon. ODOT is on schedule to complete the bridge program by 2013.

These 100 new or renovated bridges span the state. They include the sleek span of steel girders that make up the new Hilgard Interchange Bridge on Interstate 84 near La Grande and the Green Springs Drive Bridge in Klamath Falls.

The bridge program improves driver safety and boosts the amount of weight each bridge can support, allowing for greater traffic mobility.

Private School Plans Arts Center Under Design Build Contract

Portland – Catlin Gabel, an independent co-educational K-12 school on 54 acres in southwest Portland, plans a creative arts center that will provide a physical and collaborative bridge between the middle and high schools.

The two-level $7.5 million, 20,000 sq ft building will consolidate music and arts activities for grades 6 to 12 that are now scattered throughout the campus. The new facility will include spaces for painting and ceramics studios, media arts classes, music classes, a gallery and a black box theater.

The arts center flows out of a concept plan developed by Mahlum in conjunction with Catlin Gabel representatives; Walsh Construction Co., the design/build firm managing the project, and representatives of the school and community. Design guidelines called for flexibility and adaptability, integration between outside and indoor spaces, orienting the building to foster simple sustainability, and providing the opportunity to elevate the standard for arts education.