Eminent Domain News: American Electric Power (“AEP”) has announced its plans for a new major utility facility in Washington and Noble Counties in southeastern Ohio. The proposed South Caldwell-Macksburg transmission line will be part of the company’s Marietta Area Improvements Project. The South Caldwell-Macksburg line will be a 138-kilovolt transmission line connecting the South Caldwell substation in Noble County to the Macksburg substation in Washington County.
Depending on which route is ultimately chosen, the line will be approximately eight miles long. The most likely route for the transmission line will be through Olive, Jackson and Jefferson townships in Noble County and Aurelius Township in Washington County.
AEP conducted open houses in both counties in March 2015. AEP expects that the application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need will be filed with the Ohio Power Siting Board in October 2015. The Siting Board will make the final determination as to which of the proposed routes will be selected. Public hearings will be held locally and in Columbus, Ohio.
Government agencies and utility companies have the right by eminent domain to take private property for public use. Utility companies may take property or obtain easements for construction of sewer, pipelines or electric transmission lines.
Clark, Perdue & List is currently representing the interests of a landowner affected by another AEP transmission line – the Biers Run-Hopetown-Delano transmission line in Ross County.
If you own property that may be impacted by either of these transmission lines, contact the Ohio eminent domain attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List to discuss your rights and equitable compensation for right of way easements.