Louisa Planning Commission adopts resolution opposing Valley Link transmission-line routes

At the March meeting the Louisa County Planning Commission read and adopted a resolution opposing proposed Valley Link 765 kV transmission-line routes that traverse portions of Louisa County. The chair explained the commission’s rationale as part of its statutory charge to consider orderly development and to preserve agricultural and forestal lands.

The resolution, read into the record, cited concerns that proposed routes (and route variations) cross agricultural and forestal districts, growth areas and land set aside for a future school; commissioners said the proposed corridors could affect property values, tax revenue and the county’s viewshed. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved, seconded and carried on roll call.

A representative from the Town of Louisa spoke in support of the commission’s opposition, saying one proposed route runs within a few hundred feet of the town and abuts a nursing home and residential subdivision.

The commission also voted to adapt a packet of questions prepared by Orange County (editing references to Orange to Louisa) and to send that set of technical and routing questions to Valley Link and its contractors to request additional information. The chair directed staff to forward the resolution and the revised question list and to coordinate any needed signatures.

Why it matters: The county-level resolution and the requested responses aim to secure more information and to register local opposition ahead of any State Corporation Commission review. Transmission-line routing decisions have potential long-term effects on land use, growth areas and local infrastructure planning.

What’s next: Staff will send the adapted question set and the resolution to Valley Link and its contractors; the commission will monitor responses and state-level filings.