Emotions on display at first NYRI hearing
Story Created:
Oct 20, 2008 at 5:00 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 20, 2008 at 9:56 PM EST
HAMILTON, N.Y. (WKTV) - Before NYRI officials made it through the doors at Colgate University, they were met with opposition to their proposed project. A graveyard display, marking what some feel may be the final nail in the coffin for an already fragile upstate economy, lined the entrance to the student center.
Inside, the first of more than a dozen public hearings held by the Public Service Commission, NYRI was met with words of opposition. "The NYRI project is nothing short of a rape being perpetrated by a wealthy and politically connected group of outsiders," said Madison resident Jane Welsh.
However, NYRI president Chris Thompson says he expects this type of "limited" opposition with any major project. Thompson cited several benefits to their plans including: updating an aging transmission system, helping New York State reach it's renewable energy goals and what he calls an "eventual" cost break.
Residents we spoke with are not convinced. " They can do something to help themselves (downstate) they don't have to shove it down upstate and small counties where they feel they can just push it through," said Nancy Miner of Poolville.
The public service commission says that public opinion will way heavily in their decision, "extremely important, the commission, no matter what the issue they have before them is required to have the public statement sessions but they take what the public says very seriously. Anne Dalton.
The last public hearing will be held on November 6th. The final decision by the PSC is expected by Fall of 2009. If NYRI gets the green light for the project, officials say, it will take about three years to complete.
Hearings will also be held Tuesday at 1 and 6pm at the Foot Hills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta as well as Wednesday at MVCC.
A webcast will be carried at www.newyorkadmin.com
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