For reference use only- FORM LETTERS will be disregarded.

I request that my comments and objections be recorded verbatim. 

As a year-round resident of  Tubac, I ask that you attach the new 138kV transmission lines to the existing monopoles on the east side for the entire route, from Valencia to Kantor. I request that the remaining segments following the El Paso Gas Pipeline “utility corridor” be eliminated, as well as new segment 123, the Coronado National Forest, I-19, and the Frontage Road East and West.

1. Environmental concerns: I moved to this area because of its natural beauty and biodiversity. I
volunteer with Friends of the Santa Cruz River’s RiverWatch team. Placing monopoles
anywhere on the west side would negatively impact the views we enjoy, threaten the wildlife that
call this region home, and harm the eco-tourism industry that brings birders and outdoor
enthusiasts from all over the world to Santa Cruz County. Placing additional, unnecessary
monopoles along the west side may negatively impact the creation of the proposed wildlife
refuge. In addition, our homes and this project fall within the Santa Cruz Valley National
Heritage Area. There are only 62 places that have received such a designation in the United
States. We should make every effort to do as little damage as possible to the local environment
as we work to restore and preserve these natural resources.

2. Impact on homeowners: Placing new monopoles on the west side will negatively impact
property values in Santa Cruz County. Placing poles on the west side may require Unisource to
exercise eminent domain and/or use USFS land. Both of these options are untenable when other,
less destructive, and equally effective alternatives exist.

3. Cost: Using the existing poles will be less costly. As a retired ratepayer on a fixed income, this
is important to me and many others in my community. When the existing poles were constructed
in 2010, we were told they could be used for this purpose, should the need arise at some point in
the future.

4. Conflicts with Santa Cruz County’s Comprehensive Plan: The construction of new monopoles
conflicts with the Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Plan, which aims to protect open vistas and
our agricultural heritage.

Thank you for your consideration,