MADISON (WKOW) — People following a proposed power line project that would cut across southwest Wisconsin got to share their thoughts on the project on Wednesday.
Three companies — American Transmission Company (ATC), ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative — want to build the Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line Project, a 345-kilovolt power line that would go from Dubuque County, Iowa to Dane County through one of three potential routes.
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin held a public hearing on the project on Wednesday. Demonstrators gathered outside the commission’s office in Madison in protest of the power line. They’re concerned about what the transmission project could do to the environment.
“Tourism for our economy is very significant so this could undermine our tourism-based economy in southwest Wisconsin,” said David Cluetter with the Driftless Area Land Conservancy.
A representative of ATC, Anne Spaltholz, pointed out how the transmission line would benefit people in southern Wisconsin.
“It enables the movement of more clean, green reliable energy into region, which we know people put a great value on. And second, it improves electric system reliability and there are economic benefits as well,” Spaltholz told 27 News.
Spaltholz says the Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision on the project by the end of September.
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