Decision on appeal of Rabun power line ruling expected soon

ATLANTA - Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) is ready to begin constructing a high-transmission power line in Rabun County now that a judge has ruled on a suit contesting the plans.

A GTC spokeswoman, Jeannine Rispin, said Tuesday the work could begin in "6-8 weeks."

"We plan to move forward with the lines," Rispin said. "The area suffered brownouts the past two summers because of (the demand)."

Federal judge William C. O'Kelley upheld a permit issued for the six-mile line by the U.S. Forest Service.

Several environmental groups took the matter to court, arguing that the Forest Service failed to do the required environmental analysis.

"A real disappointment" is the reaction of the head of the Chattooga Conservancy the ruling.
"We knew all along it was going to be a tough fight," said Buzz Williams.

Williams says a decision on an appeal of the ruling will likely come in a few days. "We had three different lead attorneys involved from three different agencies and they'll be probably making the decision by the end of the week."

http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/3/162304