APS is proposing the construction of a fiber optic communication line within the existing authorized 69-kV transmission line ROW that crosses approximately 3.6 miles of the forest; no ROW expansion would be needed.
Location
Located on the Payson Ranger District within an existing authorized 69-kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line right-of-way (ROW). The project corridor crosses 3.6 miles of Tonto National Forest (TNF) land from Star Valley eastward, running parallel to and north of State Route (SR) 260 to the APS Preacher Canyon Substation in Gila County.
Project timeline
1
NEPA Start Date
7/1/2025
2
Finding/Decision Date
8/18/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-27d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 8/18/2026 |