BAKER CITY (AP) — Idaho Power plans to build a 500-kilovolt transmission line from southern Idaho to Boardman along a 260-mile route that runs through the heart of Baker County.

Project managers say the new line will strengthen power transmission capabilities.

Existing lines from southwest Idaho to the Pacific Northwest have been at full capacity during recent high-demand periods.

The utility said it is working with six counties in Oregon and three in Idaho, along with state and federal agencies.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2012 or early 2013. The cost is estimated at between $260 million and about a half-billion dollars.