Committee postpones decision on transmission-line information resolution after members call wording 'negative'

County staff told the Natural Resources committee that Dairyland Cooperative and TransSource have discussed a proposed high-voltage transmission line that could traverse Richland, Crawford and Vernon counties. The companies are in an early, information-gathering phase; staff described the proposed line as requiring large corridors and tall towers with potential impacts to trees, property values and rural landscapes.

Committee members raised concerns about the proposed resolution’s tone and public impression. One member said the draft reads “very negatively” and warned it could be interpreted as the county taking a position of opposition before facts are known. Other members said the resolution is meant to request information only and asked that the top of the document make that clear so readers do not assume approval or opposition.

Members asked staff for maps showing existing eligible corridors and proposed routes; staff said the publicly available material so far is very generalized (a straight-line overview from Bell Center to Portage) and recommended collecting more detailed maps. The committee agreed there is time to revise the language and to solicit more detailed mapping and technical information. A motion to postpone consideration to the next meeting passed by voice vote so members can redraft the resolution and gather information.

Why it matters: The proposed transmission corridor could require wide right-of-way areas and tall towers that would affect landowners and county land-use. The committee chose a cautious approach—postponement for additional information and rewording—rather than an immediate request for opposition or commitment.

What happens next: Staff will attempt to obtain maps of existing corridors and proposed routes, accept suggested wording edits from committee members and return a revised resolution at the next meeting for further consideration.

Sources: Committee discussion and staff presentation (transcript).