
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, October 14, 1994                   TAG: 9410140109
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: PRINCETON, W.VA.                                 LENGTH: Short

W.VA. COUNTY OKS APCO LINE

The Mercer County Commission has approved a controversial power line that would stretch 100 miles into Virginia.

But the commission asked Appalachian Power Co. to consider alternative routes for the 765,000-watt line that would run from Oceana to Cloverdale, Va.

A private citizens' group has said the power line is hazardous and would harm the environment. Citizens against High Voltage Power Lines asked that alternative routes south of Mercer County be considered.

Apco has said the power line is needed to accommodate demand.

The County Commission accepted both positions Tuesday.

``We don't object to southern alternatives,'' said Apco Division Manager Ted White.

Apco Vice President Charles Simmons said the preferred route remains through Mercer County and the company does not endorse a southern route.

Attorney Jim McNeely represents the citizens' group. He said the group is gratified that Apco no longer rejects a southern alternative.

by CNB