POWER LINE NEWS - Jumping The Gun

(08/24/2009)
Although a decision on the multi state power line is months away, rights of way agents from the company are asking property owners for permission to start surveying the line's route.

Most of the West Virginia's counties affected by the line have gone on record in opposition.

Opposition is based on land rights and problems affecting land owners, the building of the power plant near WV coal fields, the increase of pollution to WV residents, and the the costs to ratepayers in WV.

The state Public Service Commission has until next June 21 to decide whether to approve the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, known as PATH.

Allegheny Energy spokesman Todd Meyers says while the project is under review, the utility and partner American Electric Power want to survey the proposed routes now.

The 765-kilovolt line would run from AEP's John Amos plant in Putnam County, across parts of northern Virginia, and end at a substation near Kemptown, Md.

Tucker County resident Donna Printz says the line isn't a done deal and property owners shouldn't feel rushed when approached by an agent.