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Choosing a Route


PGE is committed to routing the Cascade Crossing Transmission Project’s facilities with as minimal impacts as possible to landowners and the environment. PGE strives for an open, transparent public process.

PGE's proposed site boundary begins at its Coyote Springs Substation in Boardman and ends at its Bethel Substation east of Salem, following existing transmission corridors most of the way.

Routing Process

There are several stages to the siting and routing process. Throughout the routing process for the project, PGE’s overall goals are to:

  • Meet the purpose and need of the project.
  • Minimize impacts on homes, businesses, farms and the environment.
  • Follow existing transmission or energy corridors wherever possible.
  • Avoid sensitive resources to the greatest extent possible.
  • Ensure the route is economically feasible.

You can learn more about the routes proposed by PGE on the Project Options Updates page.

PGE’s Route Development Process

PGE began planning and considering possible routing options for Cascade Crossing in 2007. PGE has been and will continue conducting studies, gathering information and consulting stakeholders to find a route that meets the overall siting goals.

  • Initial route development - PGE used geographic information systems (GIS), field studies and feedback from counties, state and local agencies and organizations to develop initial study corridors.
  • Gaining feedback - The preliminary study corridors provided a starting point for further conversations and information gathering. These study corridors formed the basis of the corridors presented at the scoping meetings. PGE now has developed a proposed site boundary as part of the state permitting process. Throughout the project, PGE will continue meeting with counties, state and local agencies and organizations, landowners and other interested stakeholders to discuss our options with them and to gather recommendations for siting and routing.
  • State and Federal Review Processes - Based on route studies and preliminary feedback, PGE has presented proposed and alternate study corridors to the Oregon Department of Energy-Energy Facility Siting Council (ODOE-EFSC), and the U.S Forest Service (USFS) and has filed preliminary permit applications with each agency.
    • ODOE-EFSC and the USFS are leading the state and federal review processes, respectively. Both agencies will provide opportunities for public involvement in their decision-making processes.
    • ODOE-EFSC and USFS will ultimately decide whether the project should be permitted, which route should be used and what conditions will be imposed on its construction and operation.