EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Residents in the Montana Vista area of far East El Paso are raising concerns over a proposed multi-million dollar energy project currently in its planning phases.
The project, called “Pecos West,” is being overseen by power grid developer Grid United. It aims to create a bi-directional bridge connecting the western and eastern U.S. power grids, essentially linking the rapidly growing El Paso metro area directly to southeastern New Mexico.
While Grid United says the project will prevent bottlenecks, keep the lights on during extreme weather, and bring tens of millions of dollars annually to host communities through tax revenue and jobs, families living in Montana Vista feel the high-voltage project is a threat to their homes.
Armando Rodriguez, president of the Union of Montana Vista Landowners, says Grid United has been quietly approaching his neighbors for months, trying to buy their lands without disclosing a proposed route for the transmission lines or a clear timeline on the project.
“We have concerns with how Grid United has been conducting the purchase of these properties,” Rodriguez said. “They’re not really communicating with the people as to what this project is. How long is it going to take? How much does the project cost? How is it going to impact the community?”…