Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) has submitted to the U.S.
Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, its comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to complete permitting for a new electric power
substation to serve North Key Largo.
The primary goal of the conservation plan is the preservation and
enhancement of habitat for the endangered Key Largo Woodrat, which is known
to inhabit the area.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for reviewing the conservation
plan and approving a permit necessary for construction of the substation.
The need for this substation to boost electric power in North Key Largo was
identified over 10 years ago along with the need for another substation site
on Grassy Key. The Grassy Key substation has been serving Cooperative
members in that area for several years now. The North Key Largo substation
was delayed by extensive research and habitat preservation planning required
for wildlife in the area.
The new substation will be built on 2.02 acres of former roadbed, which
intersects the northern end of County Road #905 on land owned by the Florida
Keys Electric Cooperative. The site is immediately adjacent to Card Sound
Road and is bordered by Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State
Park and County Road #905. The substation will be located in the most
environmentally friendly site available to FKEC that would still ensure
reliable electric service. Once built, the substation will be unmanned and
will occupy about one half acre or 25 percent of the site. The remaining 75
percent will be dedicated to habitat conservation and improvement.
"The plan we filed with the Fish and Wildlife Service goes above and beyond
protecting our sensitive Key Largo environment," said FKEC Chief Executive
Officer Scott Newberry. "The measures outlined in our plan will protect the
environment and the endangered species in the area and will result in a
benefit for protected species."
The plan includes extensive preservation, enhancement, restoration and
management measures both on the substation site and on other areas of North
Key Largo. These proposed measures will provide long-term benefits to the
Key Largo Woodrat population, as well as other wildlife species.
Since the substation was originally planned, North Key Largo has experienced
substantial residential redevelopment and growth in per household electrical
demand. The substation is essential to maintain FKEC's reliable electrical
service to North Key Largo residents and the area's state park and national
wildlife refuge.
"We look forward to working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to get
this plan approved so we may finally build the substation our members have
needed for so long," said Newberry.
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is a member owned electric cooperative.
