Landowners voice concerns over proposed power line
Landowners meet in Kingfisher; voice concerns over proposed power line
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By Robert Medley
Published: July 23, 2008
KINGFISHER — Landowners along a proposed 120-mile Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. power line should join together to oppose the line, a Woodward landowner said at a meeting Tuesday.
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Candyce Kline of Woodward was one of about 60 people concerned with the route of the proposed power line from Woodward to northwest Oklahoma City to be built by 2010 by OG&E. Rate payers would see an increase of about $1.50 on electric bills to pay for the line, which will deliver power from wind turbines.
Kline, who owns land the line would cross, said she thinks about 800 landowners will be affected by the line from Woodward to Oklahoma City. She said she is planning to fight OG&E.
Kline told people gathered at the Kingfisher Rose Rock Bank community room, a power company's right to take easements by eminent domain can be challenged in court.
"I don't think you need to think there is nothing you can do," Kline said. "I think you can do something."
OG&E officials have said the transmission line is needed to reduce dependence on coal or natural gas to produce electricty.
OG&E spokesman Gil Broyles attended the meeting in Kingfisher and wrote down concerns heard from landowners. Broyles did not speak to the audience or answer questions posed by those in attendance who asked specifics about where the line is going.
Kingfisher resident Brent Snider, who is building a house about a quarter mile from the line's route northwest of Okarche, said people have complained they have not had enough communication from OG&E about the plan for the power line.
Snider said he thinks another public meeting needs to be held to address landowners' concerns.
Fred Bredel, a Kingfisher resident, said the proposed line runs across his property and is also near an American Indian burial ground 5 miles west and 41/2 miles north of Okarche. He said he has had a hard time finding an exact route from OG&E officials for the line.
Piedmont residents are also concerned about the line cutting through that city. Council member John Brown, who attended the meeting in Kingfisher, said the Pidmont city council members plan to vote on a resolution opposing the power line's route through the highest valued property of Piedmont.
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I don't know how it works; does not the electric company purchase the right of way from the land owners? Cannot anyone who does not want the line on their property just refuse to sell the right of way?