Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Monongalia County approves legal representation to intervene in Mid Atlantic Resilience Link proceedings after public opposition
Loading...
Summary
The commission approved an engagement agreement with Stevens Law Office to provide legal support related to the Mid Atlantic Resilience Link project; a resident urged the board to adopt a formal resolution opposing the transmission line and to forward concerns to the West Virginia Public Service Commission ahead of an on-county PSC hearing June 10.
The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved an engagement agreement with Stevens Law Office to provide legal support on matters related to the Mid Atlantic Resilience Link transmission project and to give the county standing to participate as an intervener in Public Service Commission (PSC) proceedings.
Commissioner Arnett moved to approve the agreement as presented and a second was recorded. Commissioner Secours described the hire as an effort to ensure the county has legal representation at PSC hearings when commissioners cannot attend: "Brad will be our eyes and ears in any of the PSC hearings that we're not able to participate in," Secours said.
The vote followed public comment from Judith De La Garza, representing West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice, who asked the board to write a resolution of opposition, forward it to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, the PSC and other legislators, and to seek legal counsel to enable the county to intervene. De La Garza also noted a PSC-related public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mon County Center and urged residents to attend.
Commissioners said they had struggled to find counsel not already retained by other parties and that the selected attorney has prior experience in related proceedings. The engagement gives counsel authority to represent county interests and participate in hearings and related events as needed.
The agreement was approved during the meeting; staff will proceed with the contract process and counsel will be available to represent the county in PSC dockets and hearings.
