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Goochland supervisors unanimously adopt resolution opposing Valley Link 765 kV transmission proposal
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Summary
After extensive public comment from western Goochland residents, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution opposing the proposed 115‑mile, 765 kV Valley Link transmission line, citing potential impacts on agriculture, property values, scenery and watersheds.
Goochland County’s Board of Supervisors on April 7 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution formally opposing the Valley Link Joshua Falls–Yeet 765 kilovolt transmission project as currently proposed.
The board’s resolution, read into the record by county staff, describes a 115‑mile, 765 kV transmission line with steel lattice towers approaching 150–160 feet and extensive, permanently cleared right‑of‑way across multiple counties. The board directed staff to coordinate with neighboring localities, regional stakeholders and state and federal representatives to advocate against routes that would adversely affect Goochland residents.
Why it matters: dozens of residents spoke during citizen comment, particularly from the county’s far western end, saying the overhead line would bisect farms and home sites, force relocations in some cases and depress property values without bringing benefits to Goochland. A series of speakers urged the board to act on the community’s behalf; one said the project “would permanently alter our bridal landscape” and asked the supervisors to “stand with us, guide us, and ensure every resident has the information needed to be heard.”
Board action and legal path: The resolution urges ValleyLink and the Virginia State Corporation Commission to abandon the current proposal or fully evaluate alternatives that avoid impacts to Goochland. It also directed county staff to investigate steps for fuller participation in the SCC process, including the possibility of appearing as a respondent rather than a public witness.
What residents said: Dozens of commenters described environmental and economic harms. Christy Payne, who spoke for residents in the far western end, said the project threatens the livelihoods, farms and homes of multiple generations and called on the board for sustained, clear communication that helps residents engage with the SCC and federal processes.
What’s next: The resolution will be forwarded, as stated in the document, to ValleyLink, Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission, TransSource Energy, the Virginia State Corporation Commission, the governor, the county’s state and federal delegations and other regional bodies. County staff will coordinate with affected neighbors and explore legal participation options in the SCC docket.
The board’s vote was unanimous.
