Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transmission Line topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Richland County to oppose proposed 765‑kilovolt transmission line
Summary
Dozens of residents testified at the Richland County Board meeting urging supervisors to demand maps, route options and an impact assessment from the developer proposing a 765 kV transmission corridor through county farmland and the Driftless Area.
A packed public comment period at the Richland County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 21 centered on opposition to a proposed 765‑kilovolt transmission line. Residents told the board they have not received adequate notice or maps from the developer and asked the county to press for more information before routes or easements advance.
"I am in opposition to the services pipeline," Rebecca Farrell said, asking the board to consider tourism and property impacts. Speakers repeatedly warned that large towers and clearing corridors would harm the county’s Driftless landscapes, reduce property values and displace homes and farms.
Commenters requested the county seek alternate routes that follow existing infrastructure, ask the developer for detailed timelines and maps, and conduct impact assessments for tourism and groundwater. Several residents said the public notification timeline—seven months, they were told—has left many landowners unaware that the project is being considered.
County leaders said they had met with the company’s representatives and an engineering consultant and that further review will be referred to the Natural Resources committee. Vice Chair Larry Ingle summarized the developers’ stated timeline and said the company indicated landowner mailings and open houses would follow.
