Moratoriums Seek To Halt Power Project
By Micheal McGuire
CHENANGO COUNTY- County officials have formulated a sample moratorium to bolster county-wide solidarity against any further proceedings related to the construction of direct current transmission systems.
The effort is in response to Albany-based New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s recent proposal to construct a 400 kV DC transmission line beginning in Marcy that would dissect Chenango County on the way down to Rock Tavern.
Chenango County Planning Director Donna M. Jones drafted the template that is being sent to every municipality in the county along with the City of Norwich. Jones said the sample outlines the proper language prudent to a legal moratorium and it defines all the necessary procedures to allow the document to hold water in conjunction with specific local laws.
She explained that the moratorium would give officials and residents time to get “better educated” to catch up on the five-year head start New York Regional Interconnect Inc. has had to develop plans for a high-voltage transmission line, meant to alleviate energy shortages downstate.
Jones believes that the education process should involve not only occupants of the possibly affected areas, but people in all parts of the county.
“I really think we need to band together on this as a whole,” she said. “We need to collaborate as a county.”
Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law said there are no reservations on his board in regards to a moratorium.
“Our board is totally opposed to anything coming through our area,” he said. “I would hope the other supervisors not involved would support our stand against it.” Law added that it was “upsetting” that county officials were excluded from a private meeting of NYRI representatives and City of Norwich officials.
The Evening Sun April 8th, 2006 |
