Resident asks Goochland to adopt resolution opposing proposed 765 kV Joshua Falls transmission line

Kathy Crockett, a Goochland resident, asked the Planning Commission on March 19 to place into the meeting record a drafted resolution opposing the proposed Joshua Falls–Yeet high‑voltage transmission project and urged the county to join neighboring Louisa in formal opposition.

Reading from prepared text, Crockett described the project as a roughly 115‑mile, 765‑kilovolt transmission proposal with alternate overhead routes that would cross parts of Goochland County and use steel lattice structures she said could approach 160 feet in height. She said the draft resolution contends the line would "cause significant irreparable harm to Goochland County's rural character, agricultural heritage, farming, forest lands," pass within about 500 feet of numerous homes and reduce property values for hundreds of residents. She asked that the draft be included in the minutes and presented to the Board of Supervisors.

Crockett framed the request as an effort to prompt the Goochland Board of Supervisors to ask the Virginia State Corporation Commission and project proponents to evaluate alternatives that minimize impacts — for example by routing along existing corridors or placing lines underground in sensitive areas. She cited Louisa County's recent approval of a similar statement and asked Goochland to "follow suit."

The item was presented as public comment; the commission did not take formal action on the transmission project at this meeting. The chair reminded citizens that matters not on the night's agenda can be raised during the citizen comment period and summarized the rules for addressing the commission.