Costs to fight Dominion Virginia Power on the proposed over-the-James River power line have more than doubled since the State Corporation Commission case started; the James City County Board of Supervisors will decide Tuesday whether to appropriate another $200,000 toward the case.
Last summer the board appropriated $50,000 for legal and expert witness costs associated with the ongoing SCC case, which began after James City County officials tried to urge Dominion to run the power line under the river to protect the county’s historic viewshed. Several generation units at the Chesapeake and Yorktown power stations are planned for retirement by 2015, creating a need for the additional power line.
Sands Anderson has been retained as the firm leading the county’s defense, and RLC engineering firm is the county’s principal expert. An expert on photo simulation was also retained.
The board was told previously the expense might exceed the initial cost estimate and it has; current costs are up to $200,000 and may go as high as $350,000.
“This amount is higher than we had anticipated in large measure since we have had two continuances and are now set for an estimated 10 days for the hearing,” reads a staff memo to the board.
Funds from outside sources have offset $70,000 of the overall cost. The Save the James Alliance, a group founded for the sole purpose of fighting the proposed overhead line, has committed $50,000.
“There’s a possibility of another $20,000 to $30,000 being generated to support the case,” the memo reads.
The funds to pay for the costs in the case will come from the county’s contingency fund, which can be used for unforeseen events such as catastrophes, operational events and revenue fluctuations. For the current fiscal year, $815,895 was put in the contingency fund. If the board votes to approve using $200,000 for the case, about $500,000 will still remain in the fund.
“With the impacts to the county associated with the Dominion proposal, we do not have another reasonable option for the case other than to stick with it. We have come a long way on the case and it is recommended that we continue until its conclusion,” reads the memo.
If costs increase again, the board will be notified and additional funds will be requested.
Related Content:
- Officials Unsure Retrofitting Entire Yorktown Power Station is an Option
- SCC Changes Hearing Examiner, Date for Dominion Power Line Case
- GA Subcommittee to Send Letter Opposing Proposed Power Lines
- Chickahominy Chief Says Overland Power Line Would Harm Tribal Grounds
- Is Burying Proposed Power Line Across James an Option?
