KINGWOOD – About 60 people attended Valley Link North Transmission Project open house at the Kingwood Civic Center on Tuesday evening.
The room at the civic center was set up with info boards. Each board had an individual who answered questions and gave out information about the project. People at the boards could only talk to the media if the project spokesperson was present.
The Valley North Project involves constructing a 765-kv transmission line across 13 states including Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. According of the project overview, it would include building two substations, one in Hardy County, West Virginia, and one in Frederick County, Maryland; upgrading a substation in Putnam County, West Virginia; building about 260 miles of new 765-kv transmission line between Putnam County and Frederick County, with 225 miles in West Virginia, 30 miles in Virginia, and 5 miles in Maryland.
According to Lauren Siburkis, spokesperson for the project, the project would benefit West Virginia by providing a more reliable grid, create jobs, pay property tax and other offerings.
“There are a lot of people who can speak about EMF concerns,” Siburkis said. “EMF from the lines is not expected to cause health problems.”
When asked about the effect on property values, she said third-party research has found no or minimal effects on property values.
“There is a lot of emotions about the project and a lot of misinformation on social media. We came here to let people know what the project is and what it isn’t,” Siburkis said.
Nichole Larew said she was not in favor of he project. She said transmission lines were not the skyline she wanted for the county.
JoAnna and Dariusz Gocal agreed.
“We’re against it. We moved here three years ago because this is the most beautiful state in the United States,” Dariusz said.
