Landowners upset over power line

WOODWARD, OKLAHOMA - Landowners along the route of a proposed 120-mile-long electrical power line are expressing concern about the project.

Candyce Kline of Woodward, who owns land the line would cross, told about 60 people at a meeting that a power company's right to take easements by eminent domain can be challenged in court.

"I don't think you need to think there is nothing you can do," Kline said. "I think you can do something."

The transmission line has been proposed by Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. and would deliver power from wind turbines in northwestern Oklahoma. OG&E says it is needed to reduce dependence on coal or natural gas to produce electricity.

The power line would stretch from Woodward to northwest Oklahoma City and is to be built by 2010. Rate payers would see an increase of about $1.50 on electric bills to pay for the line.

Kline said she thinks about 800 landowners will be affected by the project. She said she plans to fight.

OG&E spokesman Gil Broyles observed the meeting and wrote down landowners' concerns. But Broyles did not speak to the group or answer questions posed by those in attendance who asked specifics about where the line is going.

Kingfisher resident Brent Snider, who is building a house about a quarter mile from the line's route northwest of Okarche, said people have complained they have not had enough communication from OG&E about the plan for the power line.

Snider said he thinks another public meeting needs to be held to address landowners' concerns.

Fred Bredel, a Kingfisher resident, said the proposed line runs across his property and is also near an American Indian burial ground 5 miles west and 4 1/2 miles north of Okarche. He said he has had a hard time finding an exact route from OG&E officials for the line.

Piedmont residents are also concerned about the line cutting through that city. City Council member John Brown said the council plans to vote on a resolution opposing the power line's route through the highest valued property of Piedmont.