Ranchers and farmers in southern Kansas have come out against a 155-mile transmission line proposed by Evergy, a line that would span from just outside Wichita to Southwest Missouri and enter into Oklahoma for about 20 miles.
The project is known in Southwest Power Pool documents as the Branson 345 kV overlay projects. It consists of three parts with a total cost of nearly $1 billion. It starts with an approximately 155-mile line from the Buffalo Flats substation in Kansas, to Delaware, Oklahoma. In a January 2025 report, the SSP estimated a $484 million cost for that part.
Evergy asked the Kansas Corporation Commission for approval of the route. If given, it would allow construction to begin in 2027 with completion made in 2029. The company says it plans on building 133 miles of line in Kansas but 20 miles will be constructed by American Electric Power in Oklahoma.
In proposing the line, Evergy contends it would improve reliability and strengthen the power grid’s resilience during severe weather and at the same time, relieve congestion on seven transmission lines in Kansas. The utility also says the current route would be the most efficient and eminent domain would be used but only if mutual agreements could not be reached with the landowners.
But the ranchers and farmers along the route are fighting it and asked Governor Laura Kelly to block the project. They point to the governor’s 2020 proclamation to protect the same area from wind farm development. Kelly and two former Governor’s called it a “Unique Heritage Ecosystem.”
One such ranch that would be affected is the historical Magnolia Ranch, made up of 3,500 acres sitting in the Heartland Tallgrass Prairie. The ranch has been on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1943 and according to KAKE TV in Wichita, has passed through several owners since it was built in 1883.
Owner Kevin McFarland opposes the project saying it would destroy the heritage of the ranch.
“I mean, this is the history of Kansas and the history of the United States here. It takes a lot of work, but it’s an amazing piece of history.”
But he admits, the rich history might not be enough to save the ranch.
“That’s one of our biggest fears, is that we won’t be able to continue what my father’s done and what generations have done,” McFarland said, adding the line would be built only 600 feet from the front porch of his ranch house.
“It would also split the farm in half, making it hard to farm around those power lines and under those power lines with modern equipment, using GPS and guidance,” McFarland told the TV station.
Neighboring rancher and farmer Robert Taylor said Evergy is offering a one-time payment rather than an annual compensation.
“Even if they were to pay me $100,000 a year, I still don’t want it on my property,” he said. “The governor and the KCC need to stand up to the Southwest Power Pool and energy companies— stand up to them and stand up for the landowners and the Tallgrass Prairie.”
McFarland agrees.
“This is the first of many. This won’t be the last time this will be used. I think the state of Kansas needs to wake up and realize what’s happening and protect what we have.”
They will have to wait for another month before a decision is made by the Kansas Corporation Commission. It must make a decision on Evergy’s request by May 13.