Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 13, 1994 TAG: 9410130037
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PRINCETON, W.VA. LENGTH: Short
Citizens Against High Voltage Power Lines, which doesn't want the power line in Mercer County, asked that alternate routes be studied. Appalachian Power Co. asked the county commission to endorse the Public Service Commission's routing recommendation if West Virginia and Virginia affirm the need.
The county commission accepted both positions Tuesday.
Apco has said the power line is needed to accommodate demand. The citizens groups has said the power line is hazardous and would harm the environment.
The citizens group wants the company to consider southern routes, including corridors south of Mercer County.
``We don't object to southern alternatives,'' said Apco Division Manager Ted White.
However, White said if delays continue, there is no way to guarantee reliable service to customers in the Bluefield area.
Apco Vice President Charles Simmons said the preferred route remains through Mercer County and the company does not endorse a southern route.
``We are obliged to serve a need that is growing rapidly,'' Simmons said.
Attorney Jim McNeely represents the citizens group. He said the group is gratified that Apco no longer rejects a southern alternative.
``We want all reasonable power line corridor alternatives explored. This is a historic moment if Apco is agreeing to that,'' he said.
The county commission also requested that the U.S. Forest Service consider and evaluate federal and private lands equally.
by CNB