KCC Holds Hearing in Seneca on Proposed Transmission Line
( KMZA )--A standing room only crowd was on hand Monday evening in Seneca for the first of four public hearings held by the Kansas Corporation Commission to gather input on a high voltage electric transmission line that would cross through the local area.
The majority of those in attendance voiced opposition to the Grain Belt Express Clean Line that would transmit 35-hundred megawatts of wind power from southwestern Kansas to eastern states.
Concerns were voiced about the impact the transmission lines would have on property values and the local agriculture economy .
Another person asked if the utility could give a guarantee that the transmission lines would not cause any health problems.
State Representative Randy Garber, who represents Brown and Nemaha Counties, voiced his opposition to the project. Garber said he doesn’t support wind energy because its heavily subsidized. He added that if property owners don’t want to sell their land, they shouldn’t be forced to and doesn’t support eminent domain.
Blue Rapids resident Phil Osborne urged the KCC to approve the proposed transmission line route, saying he believes wind power is the best option for reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
Clean Line Energy officials say property owners will receive fair compensation for allowing the network to traverse their land. They say the project will make possible about $7 billion in new clean energy projects that will create thousands of jobs, increase state and local tax revenues, and deliver enough low-cost clean energy to power up to $1.4 million homes.
The KCC will accept written and oral comments from the public through August 28th, and make a decision by November 17th.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
LATEST STORIES
Sheriff: phone call promises of free money is a scam
Moran works for Mayetta veteran's recognition
Atchison Commission to focus on manager vacancy Thursday
Falls city Council hears updates on grant programs
Work underway to draft new Missouri River management plan
Resurfacing project begins on K-9 in Marshall Co
Doniphan Co Commissioner files for re-election
Seneca Chamber receives Main Street designation
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass