transmissionline

State utility regulators plan to hold public hearings later this month as they consider whether to approve a major power transmission line that would cross central Illinois just south of Springfield.

The Illinois Commerce Commission announced Wednesday that hearings on the Grain Belt Express project will be held in Pittsfield, Pana and Marshall.

“The hearings are set in communities in western, central and eastern portions of the state in order to reach out to Illinoisans who would be directly affected by the proposed transmission line,” according to a statement from the commission. The five-member commission already has begun accepting formal testimony on the power line, which would cross portions of Pike, Scott, Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Christian, Shelby, Cumberland and Clark counties.

Developer Clean Line Energy Partners of Houston says the $2.2 billion project will help meet clean energy needs while providing an economic boost to communities along the route. Opponents contend that the power line is not needed and will threaten both health and the environment.

The company has set a goal of construction in 2017 and completion in 2019. 

Full story here.

If you think you may be affected by the Grain Belt Express Project and/or are interested in a free consultation, contact our eminent domain landowner attorneys at 1-888-318-3761 or visit us on the web at www.landownerattorneys.com.

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