Rowan County Fiscal Court adopts resolution opposing proposed TC Energy gas pipeline

Rowan County Fiscal Court on Aug. 19 adopted a resolution formally opposing the routing and construction of a proposed TC Energy natural gas pipeline that would cross parts of the county.

The pipeline proposal, described by the court as a large-diameter transmission line roughly 42–43 miles long destined for Maysville, would cross about four miles of Rowan County, with the court noting projected alignments behind subdivisions including Hickory Point, Lakes of Hickory and Park Hills. The judge outlined potential benefits TC Energy has touted, such as construction jobs and increased energy for regional industrial users, but said the county’s first duty is to local residents and property owners.

"My first priority is Rowan County," the presiding judge said, listing concerns about property impacts and advising the company to consider shifting routing away from housing. The judge also said the company agreed to a 1,000-foot stand-off in early discussions where the county’s subdivision regulation applied.

Resident and magistrate Gail urged stronger public involvement and questioned the sufficiency of environmental review, saying public opposition could still influence federal permitting timelines. "If we get a strong enough opposition, we can stop this thing before it is approved," Gail said, and criticized limited environmental analysis in early notices.

Court members described possible negative impacts during and after construction, including a wide temporary construction corridor (noted by a speaker as 100 feet during construction, narrowing afterward) and restrictions on landowners’ use of former construction easements. Speakers also raised concerns about possible property devaluation, long-term limitations on planting trees or erecting structures over pipeline easements, and emergency-response implications.

The court read a resolution that states the fiscal court is "committed to protecting the health, safety, welfare and property rights of the residents of Rowan County" and that construction and operation of the proposed pipeline "may result in environmental degradation, property devaluation and disruption to local communities and public infrastructure." After the reading, the court voted to adopt the resolution by roll call; the motion passed unanimously on the record.

The resolution calls for county officials and residents to register opposition during federal review and indicates the fiscal court will consider local regulatory and engagement steps going forward. TC Energy is expected to file its federal application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the coming months, and speakers encouraged residents to monitor that process and participate in public comment opportunities.

Action and next steps: the court adopted the resolution and asked staff to make it available in county records. The court urged residents to pay attention to forthcoming federal filings and local public meetings.