A massive transmission line proposed for Central Texas is causing big headaches for the mayor of Kerrville, who fears it could harm his community's economic development.
Speaking to KENS Channel 5 in San Antonio, Mayor David Wampler said his community could lose a half billion dollars because of the line.
“The City of Kerrville has spent about $14 million in infrastructure improvements to bring utilities and roads to areas that would be affected by this line,” he said.
State Rep. Harvey Hilderbran also expressed concern. In letters written to the Public Utility Commission and the Lower Colorado River Authority, Hilderbran called for a change in the proposed route. “We want that line to move away from the Kerrville corridor,” he said.
The PUC already has given the green-light to several transmission projects associated with so-called "Competitive Renewable Energy Zones." The CREZ lines will criss-cross West Texas, the Panhandle and Central Texas -- and potentially harm scenic views and lower property values along the way.
It's possible for affected landowners to block individual routes, but only if they intervene in a complicated legal process at the Public Utility Commission. More information about CREZ and the proposed transmission lines can be found at the PUC website.
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