Judging by what many people had to say at a public meeting here Tuesday, a proposed high-voltage transmission line across Northwestern Wisconsin isn't wanted. Jerry Linsmeyer of Solon Springs said of the proposed line. Linsmeyer made his comment in the Solon Springs High School, where the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin gathered comments on the state's draft environmental impact statement on the proposed line. The Linsmeyers have one power line crossing their 40-acre hobby farm. Project supporters say the line is needed to increase the dependability of the state's energy supply and to meet its growing need for electricity.
Opponents worry about the line's possible impacts on the environment, health and property values.
The Vrtises brought property for a house on Sand Lake several years ago. Their building plans, however, are on hold as they wait to see if the line will pass near the site. Ken Vrtis asked. The PSC staff compared the proposed line with three possible alternatives elsewhere in Wisconsin. The Arrowhead-Weston line has the greatest potential to harm the environment, the draft EIS said.