The current schedule for the Hudson Transmission Project calls for construction to begin in late 2010 and to be completed in late 2012.  The actual schedule is dependent on a number of factors, including the issuance of four major permits.  These permits and their current status is as follows:

New York Article VII Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need:  This Certificate for major transmission facilities is issued by the New York Public Service Commission, which acts as lead agency in coordinating environmental and other reviews in New York State.  HTP applied for its Certificate in January 2008.  The Certificate is expected in late summer of 2010.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Permit:  ACOE jurisdiction over the Project includes the Hudson River as well as certain wetlands areas in New Jersey.  HTP filed its permit application in May 2008; public notice was issued in July and the comment period ended on August 18. The application is now undergoing ACOE review and is expected to follow the Article VII Certificate.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Waterfront Development and associated Permits:  These permits primarily cover cable installation in the New Jersey portion of the shoreline and river, as well as certain areas along the underground cable route.  HTP’s application was submitted in October, 2008 and approved in February 2009, with amendments approved in November 2009.

New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) Permit:  The Hudson Project converter station is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the NJMC, which acts as the zoning authority to approve the site plan.  The NJMC permit application was filed in early 2009, and the Zoning Certificate issued in February 2010.

In addition to the major permits listed here, HTP must also finalize interconnection agreements with PJM Interconnection in New Jersey and with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).  These agreements become final after the acceptance of detailed studies that identify the transmission system modifications and improvements, and their costs, that will be necessary to implement the Project without affecting overall system reliability at either end.