While environmental groups consider appealing a judge’s decision in favor of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line, advocates are applauding it as a big step forward for the controversial project. The transmission line project, which involves American Transmission Company, Dairyland Power Cooperative and ITC Midwest, would span more than 100 miles between southern Wisconsin and Iowa. Its total cost is now expected to exceed $500 million, with the utilities last year pointing to higher material prices and costs linked to multiple legal challenges to the project. In a recent decision, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost affirmed the state Public Service Commission’s choice to grant a certificate of public convenience and necessity to the utilities for constructing the transmission line, which will run from Dubuque, through Southwest Wisconsin, and to Middleton.
