By Brandon Shanesy

Brandon.Shanesy@TryonDailyBulletin.com

 

The Columbus City Council, following suit with the Polk County and Saluda Board of Commissioners, passed a resolution requesting that Duke Energy locate the 230-kilovolt transmission lines associated with the Western Carolinas Modernization Project outside of Polk County.

Council members voted on Aug. 20 to adopt the resolution, which reads very similarly to what the Polk County Board of Commissioners passed 10 days prior.

Craig DeBrew, district manager for Duke Energy, requested to meet with the council members prior to the vote on the resolution.

“When we left there was no doubt in his mind where we stood,” said McIntyre on the meeting with DeBrew. “I don’t know what he will go back and tell his people, but I know he got my message.”

Councilwoman Margaret Metcalf spoke of her disapproval in Duke Energy’s route selection process and the use of eminent domain to gain right-of-ways.

“A lot of people here grew up in the home that they are living in now, and that’s worth more than any amount of money,” said Metcalf.

“Whether it’s a $75,000 dollar home or a $2 million dollar home, it makes no difference,” she added. “It’s a home.”

Metcalf also mentioned Duke Energy’s lack of interest in alternative options such as the burial of power lines.

“When it comes to our town, tempers are naturally going to rise, especially when we all feel like we are being taken advantage of when there are so many other options,” Metcalf said.

“The alternative options may cost Duke more, but what is this going to cost the people in our area,” she asked.

Metcalf believes DeBrew was understanding of the council members’ point of views.

“Whether they act on what any of us are saying, only time will tell,” said Metcalf.

Councilman Richard Hall described the meeting with DeBrew as informative.

“I have to say, not in defense of Duke Power, but I came away with a different take than y’all did,” Hall said. “I got a good education last night.”

“I don’t agree with it, but they’re thinking about what is the best way to do it,” said Hall on Duke Energy’s transmission line selection process. “Its one of the necessary evils of society.”

McIntyre believes the main influence for Duke Energy’s transmission line selection process is cost.

“One of the lines goes straight across our mountain here,” said McIntyre. “It blows my mind that they would even consider that, and the only reason they do is that it might be a little less expensive.”

Metcalf stated that she is 110 percent against the Western Carolinas Modernization project as a whole, and encourages everyone to stick together to defeat it.

“I feel so thankful for living in a community like this where everybody gets together on something serious that will affect everyone,” said Metcalf. “I think we are going to have to do a lot of praying about it.”

Following the discussion the resolution unanimously passed and reads as follows:

A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT TO THE POLK COUNTY RESOLUTION IN

OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED LOCATION OF THE DUKE ENERGY

TRANSMISSION RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT LINES IN POLK COUNTY

 

WHEREAS, following a comprehensive evaluation of the energy system, Duke Energy determined the need to invest in new and existing transmission lines and substations to meet growing demand; and

 

WHEREAS, this $320 million investment includes building a new transmission substation near Campobello, S.C., and connecting it to the Asheville power plant with a new approximately 45-mile, 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line; and

 

WHEREAS, the proposed transmission line will potentially run through Buncombe, Henderson and Polk counties in North Carolina, and Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Duke Energy’s goal is to minimize impacts on environmental and cultural resources, as well as homes and businesses; and

 

WHEREAS, Polk County was rated as one of the “Top 10 Best Rural Places to Live” by

Progressive Farmer magazine in 2007; and

 

WHEREAS, on March 15, 2010, the Polk County Board of Commissioners adopted the Polk County 20/20 Vision Plan which confirms a commitment by Polk County Government to vigorously protect Polk County’s rural atmosphere and serene natural beauty; and

 

WHEREAS, the Polk County 20/20 Vision Plan also confirms a commitment that visionary and pragmatic county and municipal governments will strive to work together in a cooperative manner as they continue to enhance the quality of life for all Polk County citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, the average height of Duke Energy’s 230-kV transmission line’s above ground structure will be approximately 140 feet; and

 

WHEREAS, there will be an average of 1,000 feet between each of Duke Energy’s 230- kV transmission line’s above-ground structures; and

 

WHEREAS, locating Duke Energy’s 230-kV transmission lines anywhere within the boundaries of Polk County will adversely affect the rural atmosphere and serene natural beauty of our county; and

 

WHEREAS, locating Duke Energy’s 230-kV transmission lines anywhere within the boundaries of Polk County will not enhance the quality of life for all Polk County citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, real estate sales and tourism are important aspects of Polk County’s rural economy; and

 

WHEREAS, locating Duke Energy’s 230-kV transmission lines within the boundaries of Polk County could have a deleterious effect on the view shed of the entire county, thereby negatively affecting current homeowner, potential homeowners, tourism dollars, and business revenue; and

 

WHEREAS, locating Duke Energy’s 230-kV transmission lines within the boundaries of

Polk County could have a potential impact on Polk County’s annual operating budget due to lost real estate tax revenue ranging from $16,000 to $200,000 annually; and

 

WHEREAS, segments of the proposed Duke Energy 230-kV transmission line within the boundaries of Polk County encroach upon the newly designated water supply classification area of Lake Adger, as well as property protected by Farmland Preservation easements, which were not included in the maps presented at the Duke Energy public meetings; and

 

WHEREAS, The Polk County Board of Commissioners encourages Duke Energy to locate the proposed 230-kV transmission lines outside the boundaries of Polk County.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Columbus, North Carolina does hereby support Polk County’s Resolution in Opposition to the Proposed Location of the Duke Energy Transmission Reliability Enhancement Lines in Polk County, and also encourages Duke Energy to locate the proposed 230-kV transmission line outside the boundaries of Polk County.

 

Adopted the 20th day of August, 2015.

# # #