However, the article quoting me in the May 13 edition (“Marshall pushes for I-80 route”) may have not been clear enough and led many readers to misconstrue my position.
Grantsville City does not agree with Rocky Mountain Power locating any new transmission lines in Tooele Valley and is especially against lines being located along the Stansbury foothills. Our position is that other routes would be more economical and less invasive than the one proposed.
I have suggested that Rocky Mountain Power relocate its transmission lines to Skull Valley and place a substation northwest of Grantsville along the existing I-80 power corridor, which could prevent the west side from becoming a power corridor itself. I have also recommended that Rocky Mountain Power upgrade its existing lines from Mona to the Oquirrh Substation in Salt Lake Valley.
The Transcript article also stated that my concerns did not necessarily include aesthetic considerations. This statement was inaccurate. When I addressed the Utah Utility Facility Review Board, I specifically indicated that the west side of Tooele Valley included pristine wilderness and recreational areas, and that the proposed power lines would destroy the aesthetic aspects of these environs.
I appreciate the unity that our local governments and citizens have shown in opposing Rocky Mountain Power’s proposals and hope this cooperation will continue to maintain the quality of life that we enjoy in Tooele Valley. I also commend Doug Hogan and the Tooele County Attorney’s Office for the professional manner in which they represented us before the review board. I recognize that they had limited resources in combating a huge utility company, but nonetheless did a great job.
Brent Marshall is the mayor of Grantsville City.
Post a Comment
