A temporary restraining order has been issued by the First District Court, allowing Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) to immediately commence necessary construction activities in Willard associated with the company’s Populus-to-Terminal transmission project. According to a press release from RMP the order was granted in recognition of a stipulation reached between Rocky Mountain Power and Willard City.

Specifically, the order allows Rocky Mountain Power to commence the following construction activities:

• Construction of access roads, including temporary drainage and run-off controls, according to the plans that Rocky Mountain Power has submitted to Willard City;

• Construction of pads at pole locations according to the plans that Rocky Mountain Power has submitted to Willard City;

• Performing of geotechnical surveys at pole locations to finalize foundation design; and

• Performing final site surveys.

The temporary restraining order will be in place until a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled in late July. The order also contains a provision that requires both parties to work in good faith to reach a comprehensive settlement agreement.

Mark Moench, senior vice president and general counsel for Rocky Mountain Power, stated: “We have communicated to the city’s legal counsel that the company stands ready to immediately begin efforts to reach an agreement prior to the preliminary injunction hearing.”