July 27-July 29, various locations and dates
This week the NPPD will hold hearings to get public input on the building of 3 new transmission lines to help support the proposed pipeline.
The hearings and times are below. If you can make one of these, please let us know because we need citizens going and expressing their concern about these proposed transmission lines.
July 27 – 1:00-3:00 p.m., Osceola, High School gym, open house starts at noon
July 27 – 7:00-9:00 p.m., Central City, Community Center, open house starts at 6pm
July 28 – 7:00-9:00 p.m., O’Neill, Knights of Columbus Hall, open house starts at 6pm
July 29 – 1:00-3:00 p.m., Bartlett, Wheeler Central High School gym, open house starts at noon
July 29 – 7:00-9:00 p.m., Albion, Boone Central High School gym, open house starts at 6pm
We are concerned about the transmission lines for several reasons.
1) The Power Review Board approved NPPD’s request to move forward building the transmission lines even though the proposed pipeline has not been approved by the federal government. It is unclear if NPPD has signed a contract yet with TransCanada for this new transmission lines which is something everyone should ask at the hearings.
2) The cost of the new transmission lines is going to cost taxpayers $64 million dollars. From what we understand Nebraska will pay all the upfront costs of the transmission lines. TransCanada will then pay Nebraska $10,000 a month for 10 years. We are concerned that the transmission lines are being built and paid for by taxpayers. What if TransCanada goes out of business before we are repaid and why should we build these to begin with since the oil is not guaranteed to even come back to our state?
3) During the Power Review Board meeting the Nebraska Game and Parks did have a letter submitted saying the new transmission lines could affect 5 wildlife species. We would like to see more studies and information on this. Additionally, we would like TransCanada to put money aside right now in a trust that can be used in case our wildlife are affected by a spill or through any construction.
