Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy And Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge county to raise concerns about AES transmission-line routes crossing private land
Summary
Three residents told the council a proposed AES transmission-line upgrade (including path 43) would cross private property, wetlands and habitat; speakers described a 200-foot easement and towers up to 200 feet and said they are filing complaints with regulatory bodies.
Three Morgan County residents addressed the council June 1 to urge more engagement and to register opposition to proposed AES transmission-line routes that would cross private property and natural areas.
Autumn Soya, who said her family owns property on proposed Path 43, told the council AES proposes a "200-foot" utility easement with towers "up to 200 feet tall" and described routes that would cross creeks, woodlands and agricultural pastures. "These would not be small, these are massive," she said, adding that residents had formed groups and were filing complaints with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.
Michael Skyles said the proposed line would cut across his 20-acre parcel on Route 43, and Teresa Tram said the company sent a postcard notice and that her parcel would be effectively taken if the corridor is chosen. Speakers requested that the council use its access to meetings and regulatory comment processes to amplify residents’ concerns; council members affirmed their constraints but said they would follow up and accepted contact information for further questions.
The speakers noted safety and environmental worries, including fire risk if high-voltage lines fail, loss of income from agricultural land, and impacts on wildlife habitat. They asked the county to explore alternatives or to press for routes that avoid residential backyards and sensitive areas.
