Over the past month, public utility companies have been submitting applications to the Public Service Commission in response to Governor Cuomo’s New York Energy Highway Blueprint. This initiative calls for the investment of billions of dollars in new energy transmission projects and alternating current transmission upgrades. Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Mid-Hudson) has sent a letter to Administrative Law Judge David Prestemon at the Public Service Commission urging him and the PSC to consider all options, including the underground installation of lines in order to preserve the land and the livelihoods of the people who would be affected by these lines in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. “This Hudson Valley district is truly one of the most beautiful in the state and our small rural communities, world-class soils and extraordinary natural resources have made agriculture and tourism major economic drivers,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “These proposed projects have the potential to have a severe negative impact on the families who live, farm and work in the impacted area. I cannot support a project which could adversely affect the well-being and economic security of my constituents and the region.” Recently, the PSC said that a high-voltage line is being considered along two proposed routes that would cross through the Columbia County towns of Stuyvesant, Stockport, Ghent, Claverack, Livingston and Gallatin and then into Dutchess County through the towns of Milan, Clinton, Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley. This is in addition to NYSEG’s 11-mile high voltage power line proposed to run through the Town of Ghent. Where possible, the lines and towers will share existing transmission corridors, however, right-of-way acquisition may be necessary to accommodate the new portion of the line. Below is a copy of Assemblymember Barrett’s letter to the PSC: November 12, 2013 Hon. David Prestemon
Administrative Law Judge
New York State Public Service Commission
Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 3
Albany, New York 12223-1350 Dear Judge Prestemon, I am writing to you in regards to the recent filings of proposed transmission line upgrades by New York Transmission Owners (13-M-0457), NextEra Energy (13-T-0455 & 13-T-0456), North American Transmission (13-T-0454), and Boundless Energy NE, LLC (13-T-0461) to the Public Service Commission in response to Governor Cuomo’s New York Energy Highway Blueprint. Each of these proposals would impact significant portions of my district, the 106th Assembly District, which covers major parts of both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. This Hudson Valley district is truly one of the most beautiful in the state and the authenticity of the small rural communities, the world class soils and the extraordinary natural resources have made agriculture and tourism major economic drivers. However, in just the last year, residents across the 106th Assembly District are being besieged by the prospect of several new transmission lines, all of which have the potential to severely negatively impact the region. In addition to the above referenced projects, my district is also affected by NYSEG’s proposed transmission line through farms, historic sites and an outdoor arts center in the Town of Ghent, in Columbia County. These projects impact a broad and diverse cross section of people. From deep-rooted families who witnessed their land whittled away and views marred 80 years ago when the first lines were built, to young families – exactly who we hope to attract to our upstate towns -- who have only recently invested in this region, attracted by those very assets that will be negatively impacted by these transmission line projects. Although I understand the need to update the electric grid across the nation, I cannot support a project which could adversely affect the well-being and economic security of my constituents and the region. I am concerned that these projects will result in the loss of prime agricultural land, have a damaging impact to the area's rich historic and cultural resources, and cause the destruction of many stunning view-sheds. It is my hope that the PSC will consider all options, including the subterranean installation of the lines so as to preserve the land, its views and our treasured communities. Thank you for your time and attention to my concerns. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office. Sincerely,
Didi Barrett
Member of Assembly, 106th District