Idaho’s Gateway West Power Line Route Moved after Tribal Opposition

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A disputed power line project in Idaho has been re-routed after opposition from the Shoshone-Bannock Indian tribes. The Bureau of Land Management released a new preferred alternative for the 1,100-mile high-voltage transmission line known as Gateway West on Friday.

Originally, it would have crossed the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, but the tribes refused right-of-way on grounds it will hurt natural and cultural resources. The BLM now says the new preferred path minimizes impacts to Arbon Valley agriculture and avoids sage grouse nesting sites. The project is proposed by Rocky Mountain Power and Idaho Power Co. and stretches from Glenrock, Wyo., to Murphy, Idaho, southwest of Boise.

It's been beset by opposition. In October, for instance, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter accused the BLM of disregarding public input and demanded an explanation.