HURRICANE, WV (WOWK) — A new transmission line is on the horizon for the Putnam County community, but not everyone is happy with where it will be placed.

20 miles of transmission line would be rebuilt in Cabell and Putnam counties and go through parts of Meeks Mountain Trail, damaging the trail system. The proposal was discussed at a Putnam County Commission meeting Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday evening, an open house was hosted for the community, where people could see the proposed routes, then ask questions as well as layout concerns and complaints to Appalachian Power representatives.

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The turnout for the open house was very high, and both members of the community as well as AEP representatives were optimistic that they could come to a conclusion that helps everyone.

“It’s a big thing for the community and I know a lot of people in there, both sides, both like trail people and advocates and people on the board of that, as well as the AEP,” Said Cameron Huddleston, an attendee of the open house. “People have said that they’ve like never seen like this. Many people don’t come to something like this.”

“We want to make sure we work with everyone involved the city of hurricane and any other major stakeholders, but more importantly, the property owners to make sure that we’re doing what’s best for our process, to make sure that we do deliver the necessary power to customers, but also minimize the impacts for everyone throughout the territory.” George Porter, Appalachian Power Spokesperson said.

AEP is hosting another open house meeting at the Winfield Community Center in Winfield on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

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