An issue that has divided residents in south Columbia for nearly a decade is heading back to Columbia’s city council Monday for a work session.
The council will hold the 5 pm work session at city hall to discuss the south Columbia transmission line issue, which has divided residents there for almost a decade.
The council will discuss a May 30 five-page memo from Columbia Utilities director David Sorrell to city manager De’Carlon Seewood, which recommends proceeding with building a new transmission line connecting the Persche Creek and Grindstone substations along a path that follows Scott Boulevard, Vawter School road, Nifong and Grindstone Parkway. Columbia voters approved a $63-million bond issue to finance the project in April 2015, but the council paused it in 2016 due to complaints from south Columbia property owners. Those neighbors are concerned about the power line’s proximity to their property.
Mr. Sorrell’s memo says Columbia’s current system meets all regulatory requirements today, adding that no improvements are required at this time. However, Mr. Sorrell says the transmission upgrades are needed now to ensure long-term reliability to customers. His memo says the transmission line expansion will be required in the future “on both the south side of town and eventually the north side of town.”
Columbia Fifth ward councilman Don Waterman, who represents the area where the proposed line would be located, tells 939 the Eagle’s Mike Murphy that the issue has been delayed too long, and that he wants to keep the electric infrastructure and transmission line issue at on the forefront.
