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Green Mountain Power asks Townshend to clear two easements for short overhead rebuild
Summary
Green Mountain Power representatives told the Townshend Select Board they have started a leftover section of overhead-line work and asked the board to approve two easements (one near town hall and one at the library); the board voted to have the town attorney review the easement deeds before signature.
Green Mountain Power representatives updated the Townshend Select Board on April 28 about a targeted rebuild of overhead lines and requested two easements to finish the job.
A GMP representative told the board crews have started the Grafton Halflands Road project and “our project ends on September 30 this of this year,” and described a plan to install a new pole outside town hall and an anchor near the library to improve the geometry and storm hardening of the line. The representative said the scope on several other roads was reduced and that the company will seek a state highway permit that will take about 30 days.
Board members asked about proximity to the library building, tree impacts and right-of-way footage; the board agreed to have the easement documents reviewed by the town attorney before signing. The motion to authorize town staff to bring the easement deed to the attorney for review passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: the requested easements would allow utility crews to finish a short, previously postponed overhead rebuild in town that GMP says will reduce repeated outages in the area. The board’s legal review is intended to confirm setback, tree and drainage issues are addressed before the town signs the deeds.
Quotes and attribution: “You should have gotten 2 letters, just announcing that we've started the Grafton Halflands Road project,” said the Green Mountain Power representative. The board approved a motion that town staff bring the easement documents to the attorney for review before execution.
Next steps: Town staff will present the easement deed to the town attorney; if counsel approves, the board will consider signature and GMP will proceed to secure the state permit and schedule construction.
