Destito requests public hearings in all counties to be affected by NYRI power line

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Destito requests public hearings in all counties to be affected by NYRI power line

Story Created: Sep 9, 2008 at 2:38 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 9, 2008 at 2:38 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. - Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D/WF-Rome) has requested that the New York State Public Service Commission increase the number of public hearings on the application by New York Regional Interconnect (NYRI) for a major power transmission line which is now under consideration by the PSC.

The request to hold more public hearings was made yesterday at a PSC legal conference on NYRI’s application by the attorney for Communities Against Regional Interconnect (CARI), a group of municipalities and agencies which have combined resources to fight NYRI’s plan. CARI is
requesting that the PSC conduct a public hearing in each of the seven counties that are part of its coalition. Destito says Herkimer County residents, who are not represented by CARI, also could be impacted by NYRI’s plan, and should also have the opportunity to comment on the proposal at a location that is convenient for them.

“Last year, the federal Department of Energy chose to hold hearings on
NYRI’s proposal in Rochester and New York City, making attendance
impossible for most of the residents who would be affected if NYRI’s
plans were to be approved,” Destito said. “Before the PSC makes a decision on NYRI’s application, I believe it is imperative that the views of as many of the people who might be affected by the proposed power line become part of the public record, and should be a part of the Commission’s decision-making process.”

Destito said she also supports the Commission’s current schedule for public hearings to be held later next month in Utica and Oneonta, which
includes an evening hearing. She says residents who must work, or who have other obligations during the daytime should have a chance to be heard.

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