Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510090002
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: DIANA LAW DOUGHERTY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
There are six possible routes the U.S. Forest Service will submit to the State Corporation Commission for consideration in April, two of which will cut through Montgomery County, according to the latest map on display at the Blacksburg Library.
These two routes would have a huge impact on this county, especially the proposed Gap Mountain route that would cross the New River at the popular scenic area of McCoy Falls (the favorite tubing and swimming area of thousands of Virginia Tech and Radford University students), affect Pandapas Pond, and virtually blight the entire northern skyline of the county. This route was ``edited in'' a mere two months before the end of the public comment period without adequate publicity.
I only recently found out myself - after the public comment period had expired - at an information booth at Blacksburg's "Steppin' Out." But perhaps the most disturbing news of all is what I read in a release from the "Citizens Alert" winter publication, indicating that Apco has plans to sell the power from this line to supply North Carolina's electrical needs! If they build this line in our region, we will be charged with the construction bill, not North Carolina. We would really end up paying for this power line, both virtually and literally.
There are other disturbing comments made in the August "Fact Sheet" from the National Park Service. In answering the question, "How were the alternative routes on private lands developed?'' there were these replies:
"These private land routes ... are not intended to represent the best location for a transmission line corridor on private land," (confusing?) and "The principal resources considered by the federal agencies when identifying private land routes [included] sensitive visual landscapes, culture resources and public recreation areas."
I don't see these ideas considered at all in the two routes chosen by the Forest Service that run through Montgomery County.
The questions don't stop there.
What are the health and safety risks of constructing and maintaining a power line of this size?
Would part of the New River be forever closed to recreation in order to keep the public away from possible harm of a power line near that much water?
How many tons of herbicides would be used along the corridor to maintain accessibility? How many homes would it claim? Is it even needed?
As a concerned (oh heck, worried sick!) resident of this county, I urge everyone to take an active role to fight this impending catastrophe. Please express your views to the State Forest Service and all your local representatives. Time is of the essence in this matter, with April being the latest date that these possible routes will be submitted to the State Corporation Commission for consideration. Send your comments to be included in case file No. PUE910050.
Being a resident of Montgomery County has come to mean living under the constant threat of having your home or the beauty of this county wiped away by the "Big Boys" of progress. Highways (I-73), roads (the "smart" road), bypasses (U.S. 460 corridor), and now this: The proposed massive power line of Appalachian Power Company that would cause irreversible damage to the beautiful New River Valley area. Let each of us do what we can to stop the Wyoming, W.Va.-to-Cloverdale power line from ever becoming a reality. Speak out now!
Diana Law Dougherty is from Christiansburg.
by CNB