Contact us

LANDOWNER CONTACTS

Iowa and Dane Counties, Wisconsin: 
Jon Callaway
ATC Local Relations
Email Jon
866-899-3204, ext. 3540

Grant County, Wisconsin and
Clayton and Dubuque Counties, Iowa:

Troy Weary
ITC Midwest Local Government and Community Affairs
Email Troy
515-639-3330


MEDIA CONTACTS

ATC media line:
877-506-6117

ITC Midwest media line:
319-297-6840

Dairyland media contacts:
608-787-1378 or 608-787-1323

 

Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line Project


As of October 10, 2023, there are 161 renewable generation projects dependent upon the construction and operation of Cardinal-Hickory Creek. Click on the image above to view the interactive map.

 

ATC, ITC Midwest LLC and Dairyland Power Cooperative have plans for a high-voltage transmission line connecting northeast Iowa and western Wisconsin that would provide economic savings, support renewable energy policy and improve electric system reliability.

A project area from Dubuque County, Iowa, to Dane County, Wisconsin, has been identified for the approximately 102-mile, 345-kilovolt line. Studies indicate that the Cardinal-Hickory Creek Project is a multi-benefit project that would deliver benefits to local communities and the Midwest region by:

    • Improving electric system reliability locally and regionally
    • Delivering economic benefits for utilities and electric consumers
    • Expanding infrastructure to support public policy for greater use of renewables

 

Financial Times Video Features Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line Project

The Financial Times has produced a video including representatives of ITC Midwest, Dairyland Power Cooperative and Clean Grid Alliance to discuss the need for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line. The in-depth feature focuses on Cardinal-Hickory Creek’s importance for grid reliability and supporting regional clean energy transition goals, within the context of the need for buildout of American’s electric transmission grid. Watch the full video below:

Behind the Scenes: Cardinal-Hickory Creek – Safety During Construction
PlayPlay

Project schedule*

Initiated public involvement2014
Project approval, Public Service Commission Wisconsin Fall 2019
Record of Decision, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Rural Utilities ServiceWinter 2020
Project decision, Iowa Utilities Board Spring 2020
Authorizations issued, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fall 2020
Initiate construction - IowaApril 2021
Initiate construction - WisconsinNovember 2021
Project in service: Hill Valley Substation to Cardinal SubstationDecember 2023
Project in service: Hickory Creek Substation to Hill Valley SubstationJune 2024

*For additional details, please see the project schedule. Please also note that construction activities and dates are subject to change.

Project summary

Areas benefited: Iowa, Wisconsin and the Midwest

Length of line: Approximately 102 miles

Voltage: 345,000 volts

End points: The western end point of the line will be in Dubuque County, Iowa. The eastern end point of the line will be the Cardinal Substation in the Town of Middleton, Wisconsin. The project also will include construction of a new mid-point substation near Montfort, Wis.

 

Resources

News & updates

Maps

Construction and Mitigation Plans

NEPA process

Additional information