Supervisors to discuss power line

VIRGINIA - The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will decide whether to have the county attorney's office ask the State Corporation Commission to study the possibility of putting the Meadow Brook-Loudoun power line underground.

In October, the U.S. Department of Energy designated parts of Virginia a National Interest Electric Corridor. The designation allows the federal government to override state and local opposition to power lines. The corridor, which includes six states in the Mid-Atlantic region, runs through portions of northern Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

County Executive Craig Gerhart said if the commission ultimately requires Dominion Virginia Power to bury the lines, the county could realize considerable savings on property values and save scenic views around historical sites.

Also up for consideration is a resolution to accept, budget and appropriate a $199,000 grant from the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority. The county was awarded the grant to help prepare for the influx of jobs at Quantico Marine Corps base and Ft. Belvoir when the Base Realignment and Closure takes effect.

If the board approves the resolution, the money will be used to buy 11 bus shelters for the areas near Telegraph Road and U.S. 1 and Russell Road and Interstate 95. The money will also pay for the construction of bus pull-off lanes.

The Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Greater Washington Regional Commission-Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization together have agreed to match the grant, according to county documents.

In another resolution related to base realignments, the county will consider using a $120,622 grant from the Department of Defense-Office of Economic Adjustment to hire a BRAC coordinator to work in the county planning office for one year. The coordinator would work with federal and local organizations to develop grant applications, manage contracts and represent the interests of Prince William County as the realignment proceeds.

The Dale Service Corporation, which provides sewage service for Dale City, wants to increase its rates from $84.53 per quarter to $101 per quarter for homes. Commercial rates would increase from $106.12 per quarter to $128.85 per quarter for businesses.

The State Corporation Commission will hear the request for the rate increase in February.