7.16.09 Settlement struck on alternative to controversial power line

Allegheny Power, officials from the state, and Washington and Greene Counties have filed a settlement agreement with the PUC on the construction of a high-voltage power line in the area, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The group, which includes the state Office of Consumer Advocate and the Office of Trial Staff for the PUC, along with a local citizens’ group, had been working for the past six months to come up with an equitable solution to address increased energy needs in Washington County. The county objected to the initial proposal for a new power station and 500-kilovolt power line.

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Allegheny Power and Greene County commissioners came up with an agreement of their own last year that called for the county to support a power station and 1.2-mile power line in Dunkard, called the 502 Junction, in exchange for return of easements to property owners, abandonment of the 36-mile line plan, and a $750,000 payment to the county’s general fund.

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