One of Upshur County’s two state senators has announced his opposition to the proposed Valley North transmission line.
In a social media post Thursday, State Sen. Robbie Morris said that he reached the decision after hearing from hundreds of constituents, attending community meetings and a Valley Link open house, speaking with residents and reviewing available information.
“I oppose this project,” Morris wrote. “The families, farms, businesses, forests, and communities that make our part of West Virginia special deserve to have their voices heard. These are not just parcels on a map — they are people, livelihoods, heritage, and traditions.”
Morris issued the statement after Upshur County residents urged county commissioners to oppose the project at their July 9 meeting. The commission agreed to consider a resolution next week.
Valley North would include about 260 miles of new 765-kilovolt transmission lines from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick County, Maryland. The company says no final route has been selected.
Morris encouraged opponents to submit comments to Valley Link by August 14 using the company’s comment card. You can view the path through Upshur County by going to the county’s GIS mapping tool, clicking the layers button in the menu at the top-right, and selecting “powerline” to see the route overlay.
“It is important to understand that the West Virginia Public Service Commission is the agency with the legal authority to approve or deny this project,” Morris said. “While city councils, county commissions, legislators, and other elected officials can advocate for their communities and make our positions known, we do not make the final decision. That responsibility rests with the PSC.”
The project has not been filed with the Public Service Commission, Morris said. He pledged to notify constituents when a case is filed and provide information about submitting comments and participating in public hearings.
Valley Link will hold an Upshur County open house from 4-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at The Event Center at Brushy Fork, 929 Brushy Fork Road in Buckhannon. The company says residents may review the study segments, speak with project representatives and provide feedback.
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