Governor Will Propose Legislation To Ensure West Virginians Benefit From Power Line 

“If the TrAIL line gets through its other required regulatory approvals and moves forward, we want to have laws in place so that the West Virginians and communities that are affected receive benefits in exchange,” Manchin said. “We understand that some groups may appeal the PSC decision and if they do, we’ll let the legal process run its course.

"This legislation would be in place to address this project if it reaches completion or any future project of its type.”

Before a 2 p.m. press conference, the governor met here today with county officials from some of the counties that would be affected by the line to brief them on his plan.

“I want to make it clear now, regardless of if and when the transmission line moves forward, that we are putting the requirements on paper so that it is clear what our communities and citizens will receive.”

The PSC approved the certificate requested by the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company to construct the 500kV interstate transmission line that would run through portions of Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor and Tucker counties.

While the PSC’s approval includes significant conditions, including paying for portions of electric bills for directly affected property owners, creation of jobs and construction of a new office in West Virginia, the governor has been insistent other requirements be made into law.

The governor’s plan includes three main components:

1. Rate reductions for West Virginia’s citizens so that they will pay less, not more, for the power they will receive from the line.

2. Extra revenue for the counties that house the line.

3. Extra revenue for the state that will allow it to provide additional services to all its citizens.

The governor has spoken with Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin and House Speaker Rick Thompson and all three plan to join together in proposing this effort to make sure West Virginians receive a direct benefit from having this power line in the state, the governor said.

As the TrAIL project has moved through its regulatory approval process, Manchin has said he recognizes the national need for the transmission line, but that he did not want West Virginians to unfairly bear the cost of providing or transmitting electricity that is used outside the state.

And, while market conditions can affect consumer and industrial energy prices, the governor wants to make sure that West Virginia ratepayers will not see increases in their bills related specifically to the construction and operation of this transmission line.

“I will not object to this power line if all parties agree to move forward with this legislation which will make sure that West Virginians benefit from the placement of this line,” the governor said.

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