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Barbour County unanimously adopts resolution opposing proposed Valley Link transmission routes through Kelley Road and Hunter's Fork
Summary
The Barbour County Commission on May 15 adopted a resolution recording landowner opposition and urging developers and regulators to avoid overhead corridors, fund independent studies, and refrain from eminent domain for routes affecting Kelley Road and Hunter's Fork.
The Barbour County Commission voted 3-0 on May 15 to adopt a resolution opposing proposed high-voltage transmission routes that residents say would pass through or near Kelley Road and Hunter's Fork. Commissioners recorded that affected landowners "vehemently object" to any line that would pass through their properties and directed the resolution be sent to Valley Link and state regulators.
The resolution, presented at the meeting by landowners who waived a public reading, lists multiple concerns including safety risks, reduced property values, potential groundwater contamination and health effects. It states the Commission "opposes the use of eminent domain by Valley Link to acquire any property in Barbour County" and requests developers provide detailed route maps with GIS parcel overlays, fund independent environmental, visual, health and property-value assessments, and allow at least one year for landowners to review documentation. The Commission also urged PJM Interconnection and project developers to prioritize alternatives that avoid new overhead corridors and to consider burying lines within state or federal highway rights-of-way where feasible.
Commission President David Strait and Commissioners Bob Richardson and Jedd Schola recorded their unanimous support for the resolution. Bob Richardson moved to pass the resolution as presented and David Strait seconded; the motion carried 3-0. The Commission directed staff to transmit copies of the resolution to Valley Link, the West Virginia Public Service Commission and other relevant agencies and said it may take further action when a formal project filing is made.
The resolution text in the meeting record cites historical regional proposal PATH and frames Barbour County's economic sensitivity — noting land and generational family properties as central to local livelihoods — as part of its justification for opposing routes that would affect view sheds and private land. The Commission asked that any developer-funded independent studies be performed by experts selected by residents at the developer's expense and that no path proceed until those assessments are completed and reviewed.
