FPL’s Transmission Lines on US1 or Bust?

The largest purveyor of electricity and political contributions, Florida Power and Light (FPL), is adamant  about getting its way when it comes to laying out new transmission lines along US1 and Everglades National Park. So much so they now influence the Public Service Commission (PSC) to the point where all commissioners have a utilities background.   Never mind a Governor that is a large recipient  of FPL's campaign contributions.  When former PSC chairwoman Nancy Argenziano resigned in the fall of 2010, she delivered a stinging criticism of the panel: "The PSC is a revolving door with the utilities it regulates" as reported by the Herald Tribune.
 Now the inevitable is happening for FPL has strategically placed itself as a mover and shaker in politics whereby only friendly to utilities PSC commissioners are appointed so it's no wonder they feel embolden to discount and literally ignore the local municipalities and their elected leaders with their plan to install new transmission lines.   It's up to the citizens of the affected cities and Kendall to rise up and be heard.  2014 is an election year and Governor Rick Scott wants to get elected badly even if he's not the most likable politician.  If our local leaders play their cards right they might just get their way to this electrifying affair.

Reference Links:
Herald Tribune - Analysis of Florida PSC

FPL’s plan to place transmission lines along U.S. 1 and the Everglades jolts several communities - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com

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NIMBY: Kendall, Pinecrest and South Miami residents oppose giant FPL power lines, too!

The Not-in-My-Backyard (NIMBY) folks are out in full force. First Pinecrest and South Miami didn't want new power lines on US1 (South Dixie Highway) through their communities on their way to the Downtown Miami substation.  Unsightly and a health hazard they call them.  Now Kendall doesn't want them either and with good reason.  Kendall was never a consideration until Pinecrest and South Miami raised a stink.  It's worth noting that the two former communities harbor some of the most well connected and wealthy individuals in the county, so their voices will be heard.  Kendall on the other hand, not so much.

However,  they can agree on one thing:  Florida Power & Light (FPL) should burry the lines. Unfortunately, these communities don't want to pay for this cost prohibitive alternative.  It's great that the citizens aired their grievances and suggestions to FPL, but they should've taken a calculator and a well sharpened pencil so they can perform basic arithmetic.  Spare the modern gadgetry for now the math skills sink in better when doing it the old fashioned way.

One thing is for certain these communities appear adverse to a compromise with themselves let alone with FPL.  The Kendall leaders are pushing FPL for the power lines to go East while Pinecrest and South Miami leaders are lobbying for power lines to go further West.

For us in Homestead, home of the Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant and the Homestead Energy Services (HES), we're used to having power lines criss-cross our back yards. There are several substations within the city including interconnection sites between the companies. Homestead is unique in South Florida in that it has its own electric company whose service boundaries are not an exact overlay of city limits.  It's rather profitable as we have residents from outside the city pay HES versus FPL. This in effect helps keep property taxes down as the city funnels profits into the the general fund, but that's a story for another time.

The power lines in question are the same power lines that provide our neighbors to the north with the power they need to run their homes and their fully connected lives.  FPL doesn't have to worry about Homestead residents though, we will allow FPL to install their power lines with little fanfare since the route taken is mostly through the woods, marsh, and easements through a golf course already utilized by FPL. The established routes cross the Keys Gate Golf  course heading West before making a sharp turn North through the Everglades on their way to the Pensuco substation. Homestead surely won't be asking for the lines to be buried either unlike the other communities.  We're adamant about keeping electric bills within reason while avoiding unnecessary surcharges.  The choice will be made soon and we will keep you informed as this project progresses.

Kendall residents oppose giant FPL power lines - Kendall - MiamiHerald.com

Pinecrest mayor says state senator backs FPL against his constituents - Political Currents - MiamiHerald.com

http://www.fpl.com/environment/lines/tp.shtml

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Proposed New Southwest Expressway: A Highway to Urban Sprawl in South Dade

The proposed Southwestern extension of 836 MDX Toll Expressway appears to be a breath of fresh air to the residents of West Kendall.  An alternate route to the job centers of Miami-Dade county that will enable the residents to cut their commute time and frustrations of bumper to bumper traffic on Florida Turnpike (SR 821) and Don Shula Expressway (SR 874).  Residents won't be able to escape the tolls though as all expressways ran by MDX have this funding mechanism.

With a highway of this magnitude in the western reaches of the county one can only expect more housing, shopping centers and other aspects of urbanization or in the case urban sprawl.  It happened in Broward county and we will be no different. You can expect there will be a push to extend the UDB further west.  The forces to make this happen are gearing up for a fight on both sides of the issue.  On one side the Developers and construction interests.  They are very powerful in the county as they are able to influence MDX and the Board of Commissioners via lobbyist as well as campaign contributions for the latter.  On the other there will be Farmers and Environmental Activists who would like to preserve their agricultural way of life and the Everglades.  A compromise is inevitable so stay tuned as the study gets underway.

Purple Route:  Non-Starter.  It traverses residential areas along SW 137th Ave from the current terminus of SR 836 at NW 12th ST/SW 137th Ave to The southeast corner of Tamiami Executive Airport. The North Kendall residents are very vocal and worse for politicians:  They Vote!

Red Route:  Traverses Urban Development Boundary (UDB).  Environmentalists will be up in arms.  Miccosukee Tribe may support the effort if they buy off on the value of an entrance/exit to their casino. If not, they will align with the Environmentalists and Farmers and this route will be doomed from the get go.

Blue Route:  The most cumbersome route going in a southwesterly direction along the UDB until it aligns with Krome Avenue. This may be the path of least resistance but will be challenged by the Farmers and Environmentalists alike as it will bring urban sprawl to the western part of the county nearest to the Everglades. 

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/10/3277911/new-expressway-idea-for-southwest.html#storylink=cpy

Reference Links:
New expressway idea for southwest Dade draws fire

Fred Grimm: Build it, and the strip malls will come – to Krome Avenue

MDX Future Projects

MDX State Road 836 Southwest Extension

This conceptual project would extend SR 836/Dolphin Expressway from NW 137th Avenue west and then southwest to SW 136th Street. This will provide interconnectivity with the SR 874/Don Shula Expressway Ramp Connector project. Such a connection would provide improved north-south access and mobility throughout the southwestern section of Miami-Dade County. 

General Information 

Public Kickoff Meeting

Alternatives
Public Workshop

Public Hearing

Project Conclusion Summary

Reference Link:
http://www.transitmiami.com/miami-dade-transit/lost-vision-miami-dade-transit-40-years-on

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