Navajo Nation 345 Kilovolt Transmission Line Right-of-Way Renewal

Tucson Electric Power plans has applied for renewal of right-of-way (ROW) easements granted by the Navajo Nation (the Nation) in 1973 and will conduct outreach to stakeholders over the next several months.

TEP has operated a 345 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission system on Nation lands for the past 50 years, providing electric service to the Tucson, Arizona metropolitan area and transmission services to electric service providers in New Mexico. In 1973, the Nation granted 102 miles of ROWs for the construction and operation of 345kV transmission lines and appurtenant wireless telecommunication sites in McKinley and San Juan counties, New Mexico.

The 330-foot wide land right crosses 4,072 acres of Nation trust and fee lands, and 11 allotments. The land right contains two sets of 345kV structures, and two communication sites.

TEP applied for a renewal of the land right with no change in use, location, or width. At the request of the Nation, TEP will pursue separate leases for the two communication sites in McKinley and San Juan counties, New Mexico.

Click here for the project map and fact sheet.

Public Outreach

TEP met with 14 Chapters and received supporting resolutions from all with recommendations for scholarship payments. TEP continues to conduct community engagement with grazing permittees and officials for consent to the ROW. TEP has nearly completed negotiations with allottees and other individual land interest holders to obtain their consent to the ROW renewal as required by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo Nation. TEP and the Navajo Nation continue to collaborate and have both shown a long-term commitment to reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure in the region

TEP uses newsletters, a project website and other methods to inform Nation members and other stakeholders about the renewal action. TEP informs allottees and other interested parties about its renewal efforts and the negotiation process.

TEP invites public comments about the renewal process.

Allottees are invited to submit a comment form updating their personal contact information and request information regarding their specific allotment.

Community Engagement Chapter Houses:

Chichiltah
Coyote Canyon
Hogback
Mexican Springs
Naschitti
Nenahnezad
Newcomb
Red Rock
Rock Springs
San Juan
Sanostee
Sheep Springs
Tohatchi
Twin Lakes

Facts about the Right-of-Way Renewal

No changes are proposed for the 330-foot ROWs.
No additional lines are proposed.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Eastern Navajo Agency, will review the renewal when application is submitted. Compensation will be paid for the Renewal. Landowner has the right to give or refuse to give consent to the Right of Way Renewal project.
TEP completed biological resource surveys, cultural resource studies, a land survey, and a land appraisal to support the issuance of a new Grant of ROW for the existing 345kV electric transmission line across Navajo Nation lands.
Additionally, TEP prepared an Environmental Assessment and received a Finding of No Significant Impact from U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. TEP is currently coordinating with the Navajo Nation General Land Development Department and has submitted the Navajo Nation’s 164 application, along with resource studies, land survey, results of community engagement efforts and plans for grazing permittee outreach.

Map of Navajo Nation Allotments

Questions or Comments?

Navajo Nation 345 Kilovolt Transmission Line Right-of-Way Renewal

Yá’át’ééh!

Navajo Nation Allotment Map

Outreach

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