Budget increase approved to intervene in Heartland Transmission Project hearings
December 14, 2010
Strathcona County Council today approved additional expenditures of $150,000 to bolster its intervention activities as part of Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) hearings on the proposed Heartland Transmission Project. This brings Strathcona County’s total investment in the process to $400,000.
“Approval of these funds demonstrates our committed to advocating on behalf of our residents,” says Mayor Linda Osinchuk. “A large number of interveners have applied to participate in the AUC process, which is an indication to us of the level of concern among individuals and organizations throughout the region. The additional funds are due to best estimates on how long the hearings will take, given the number of interveners.”
Two routes have been proposed to take power from coal-fired plants near Wabamun to Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. The route identified as preferred by the proponents – AltaLink and EPCOR - would see high-voltage transmission lines running through the transportation utility corridor west of Sherwood Park.
Strathcona County has contracted expert witnesses to present the best information available on public health and environmental impacts, as well as mitigation strategies. The latter include the cost and efficiency of an underground line.
Strathcona County residents also have until March 4, 2011 to sign their names to a Heartland Transmission Project petition. Petitions are available at Millennium Place, County Hall, Strathcona County Library, Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Glen Allan Recreation Complex and Heartland Hall Contact Office.
Contact: Mayor Linda Osinchuk, 780-464-8000
Last updated: Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Page ID: 6973