County Files Petition to Intervene in Transource Hearing

The Franklin County Commissioners voted to file a petition to intervene in the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) hearing regarding the installation of the Transource high-voltage transmission line set to pass through approximately 24 miles of Franklin County. At the court’s discretion, the petition will allow the County to join the hearing, even though the County is not a party to the litigation.

“On behalf of our residents, the Board of Franklin County Commissioners opposes the Transource project. A petition to intervene will ensure that our residents’ voices are heard,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller.

According to the Transource project application, the transmission line is proposed to include 162 installations of 135 foot structures (13 stories high), stationed 800 feet apart. County residents are concerned about the ecological impact of these structures on local natural resources and anticipate a negative impact on the county’s rural landscape.

“This project shows no benefit for Franklin County taxpayers—in fact, it has the potential to cost them more with no added savings,” said Commissioner John Flannery.

After attending Transource project meetings in 2017 and 2018, as well as researching the impact and benefit of this project on the county, County staff found no definitive evidence of benefit to the people of Franklin County. As a result, the Board of Commissioners formally opposed the Transource Independence Energy Project in June 2018.

“We’ve shared our residents’ concerns with the PUC numerous times over the last three years. We continue to believe that this power line is not in Franklin County’s best interest,” said Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.

For more information on the Transource Independence Project and how it affects Franklin County, please visit: http://www.stoptransourcefranklinco.org.

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