ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, August 2, 1996 TAG: 9608020053
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
The State Corporation Commission on Wednesday decided not to dismiss American Electric Power Co.'s application to build a high-voltage power line from Wyoming County, W.Va., to Cloverdale.
The Citizens for the Preservation of Craig County, a group that opposes the project, asked the SCC to throw out AEP's application because the U.S. Forest Service has recommended in its draft environmental impact statement that the line not be allowed to cross federal lands.
While acknowledging the impact statement raises serious questions about the viability of AEP's application, the SCC said it did not want to make comments about the statement that "may influence the recommendations contained in the final statement."
The Forest Service has said it will not produce a final impact statement until regulatory commissions in Virginia and West Virginia complete their reviews.
The SCC also said it is crucial that AEP supplement its power supply in Virginia "to maintain adequate and reliable service" and ordered the company to file a proposal by Dec. 1 outlining its plans to meet the future electric service needs of its customers. - Staff report
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