Two months into the Obama administration, Congress and the President launched a massive federal stimulus package designed to alleviate some of the effects of the Great Recession.
From that stimulus package, the Bonneville Power Administration secured $246 million to build a 500-kilovolot transmission line from Castle Rock to Troutdale, Ore., in a move with serious consequences for Southwest Washington residents.
Almost from the moment the BPA announced the project, questions have mounted regarding not so much the purpose of the transmission line, but its location and possible effects on health and property values.
Last year, BPA unveiled possible routes, with three major possibilities emerging: the first utilizing an existing BPA right-of-way from Castle Rock to the Ross Complex substation in Hazel Dell, continuing east across Vancouver and eventually through Camas. A second route has the BPA lines heading through rural Cowlitz County into Clark County through the small community of Hockinson before entering Camas. The third option would take a more easterly route, cutting through federal lands before emerging near Camas and Washougal.
Opposition soon mounted to the proposals, especially in regard to the Hockinson route, which was eventually dropped from consideration by the BPA.
But that still leaves two routes cutting through populated areas in our region, with the more westerly route through Hazel Dell clearly having a much greater impact on private property and potential development.
Property owners in the affected corridors should learn about the potential impacts on property values and the potential negative health effects this new line presents. BPA closed the comment period for the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement, but additional opportunities for public comment still exist.
Citizens will have an opportunity to comment on the preferred route when the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is released. Additional public outreach efforts will continue until a final decision is made. For BPA's updates on the project, visit their website: www.bpa.gov/corporate/i-5-eis.
Regardless of which route is chosen, there is no question that it will impact private property. It is imperative for those people whose property lies in the path to remain vigilant about making their case, especially if BPA uses its eminent domain powers.
Howsley is a partner at Vancouver-based law firm Miller Nash LLC, specializing in land use issues. Also a partner at Miller Nash, Bremer serves on the executive committee of the YWCA-Clark County Board of Directors.
