| The Calhoun community will have what organizers describe as an informational meeting about a proposed mega-power line set to cross the county.
The rally date is October 17th at the Arnoldsburg Community Building, starting at 7 p.m.
There will be guest speakers, information about the line, a petition to sign opposing the line, and free
entertainment.
The rally will feature some bluegrass music with local favorite John Truman, plus some rock 'n roll music.
Donations will
be taken happily to defray expenses.
Organizers say there are a number of significant issues related to the project, not the least being increased emission of pollutants in West Virginia.
Opponents say West Virginia will bear the environmental brunt, much like when northeastern cities tried to convince the state to accept their garbage dumping.
The $3 billion line is set to use an existing right-of-way across Calhoun, stretching from John Amos power plant in Putnam County to Maryland.
It will primarily provide electric power to the northeast corridor.
Gov. Joe Manchin says he will tax the transmission line to keep West Virginian's electric bills down.
Morgan County Commission members have officially gone on record opposing construction of a proposed Potomac-Appalachian Transmission High-voltage line in their region.
The action wasn't taken lightly and occurred only after a debate sparked by Commissioner Tommy Swaim's original reluctance to approve an anti-PATH document.
President Glen Stotler penned the resolution which said the new high-voltage electric line would "be of no direct benefit to Morgan County or its citizens" and that its construction could have a "detrimental impact" on the county, its citizens and the environment.
Taking official action is partly because of the overwhelming public outcry on this issue, Stotler said.
"I have gotten as many letters and e-mails about this as I ever had anything else," he said.
"That's another reason I think we need to take a position as county commissioners," he said.
After listening to Stotler's presentation, Swaim said he is bothered by the "not in my backyard" mentality that can be associated with major developments or projects.
"You know, when you think about it, the air conditioning that we are enjoying here today is because of electricity that was produced and transmitted from somewhere else," said commissioner Swain.
"This power came through another county - it all has to come from somewhere. That's why it bothers me to say just don't bring it (PATH) to Morgan County," he said.
Although Stotler said he respected Swaim's position, he said he doesn't feel the same about the electric utilities behind PATH.
Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson agreed that getting answers about the proposal and its potential route has been difficult.
Swaim, who ultimately voted for the resolution opposing the line, said he was swayed by Stotler's remarks.
"It does make a difference when you talk about the timing and how it may be a matter of some kind of political pressure. But I still don't feel that it's okay to say put it in your backyard, not mine," Swaim said.
The Bush administration, by executive order, has given mega-line projects imminent domain in most of West Virginia's counties.
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