For Immediate Release Contact: Jay M. Matteson
Date: Monday, February 11, 2008
New Electric Transmission Lines, Addressing Agricultural Concerns
A Workshop for Landowners to Help Protect Their Rights and Property
The Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation and Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District are co-hosting a workshop for agricultural landowners on
Thursday February 14, 2008 from 7 to 9pm. The workshop will occur at the Henderson Fire District Building, 8939 NYS Rte 178 in the hamlet of Henderson. The workshop is free and
open to the public.
The purpose of the workshop is to inform agricultural landowners about issues relative to new electric transmission lines such as routing and structure types and the impacts to
farm operations. Site specific issues such as farm equipment operation and potential soil resource impacts are discussed. Matt Brower, Agricultural Resources Specialist from
the New York State department of Agriculture and Markets is the featured speaker for the workshop. Mr. Brower has advised and assisted agricultural landowners on hundreds of
power line and utility site issues across New York State.
Jefferson County and Oswego County landowners are being contacted by Upstate NY Power Corporation by letters indicating the Corporation is interested in buying a right of way
for an electric transmission line that will run from the Town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County to the Town of Parish in Oswego County. The transmission line is proposed to
carry power generated from a proposed renewable energy project in the Town of Hounsfield. Land agents from Gotech Land Services have been hired by Upstate to contact landowners
receiving the letters.
According to Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator with the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation, “we put the workshop together quickly
when we learned Upstate NY Power Corporation was contacting landowners in southern Jefferson County to purchase transmission line right of ways.” “We grow concerned when we see
this type of action occurring under the radar and happening quickly,” Matteson added. Mr. Matteson indicated that the purpose of the workshop is to educate landowners so they
can make informed decisions about selling a right of way on their property. “Power transmission lines can adversely impact agricultural land if not installed correctly and
landowners who are in agricultural districts need to be aware of their rights so they can negotiate intelligently with the power company,” Matteson concluded.
The workshop is also open to Oswego County residents. Anyone with questions should contact Jay Matteson at the Agricultural Development Corporation Office at (315) 782-1806.
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