The Arizona Corporation Commission has voted to approve a certificate of environmental compatibility for a transmission project at South Mountain to support growth and development along Loop 202 in the Laveen area.

The decision will strengthen Salt River Project’s overall transmission system reliability, utility officials stated in a release.

Phoenix is planning for development in Laveen, which could include a mix of land uses that include retail offerings, hospitals, hotels and resorts, residential areas, new businesses and an industrial and tech park.

“The South Mountain Transmission project represents an important milestone for the Laveen community, and we appreciate the consideration of the ACC to approve this plan,” Rick Hernandez, SRP’s power system program manager, said.

“The project will help SRP support the Valley’s economic and residential growth with affordable, reliable and sustainable power.”

The approval came earlier this month after a process that included open houses, emails, postcards and stakeholder meetings.