The Whitewater - Mukwonago Upgrade Project was placed in service on May 13, 2003. The project included reconductoring the line, replacing 25 angle structures and foundations, and replacing the hanger bars on three arms of each remaining 164 lattice steel tower. One wavetrap and jumpers had to be replaced at Mukwonago Substation. In addition, one line breaker, two bus tie circuit breakers, seven disconnects, two wavetraps, and jumpers needed replacement at Whitewater Substation.

ATC Project Manager Jim Vespalec stated that although the work may have seemed very straightforward, the team was challenged by several environmental concerns. Much of the line went through sensitive areas including the Lulu Lake Conservancy and Phantom Lake. To reduce the impact to the environment from vehicular traffic and provide access to some remote locations, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin required the use of a helicopter to deliver and remove equipment and materials.

The project was initiated to increase power transfer capability, improve safety and reliability of the line, and provide increased line capacity to the new Riverside generation project scheduled to go online June 2004.

Vespalec offered kudos to all involved in the project. "There was a very short time frame to request bids and complete construction," he said.. "Through the cooperative efforts of the Wisconsin DNR, The Nature Conservancy, our contractors, and project team members, we were able to finish construction in five months."