#USA #Fairmont #West Virginia #Community Engagement #Valley North Project

Upcoming Valley North Project Open Houses

The Valley North Project is taking significant steps forward, inviting community members to a series of open houses in November. This initiative offers residents a vital opportunity to learn more about the project and provide their input as it progresses through the route development phase across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Following an energetic first round of outreach earlier this summer, which saw participation from over 6,500 individuals, the project team has been refining route options based on valuable feedback from the community. The upcoming open houses aim to inform residents about the proposed plans while encouraging them to share their opinions and concerns regarding potential routes and various project aspects.

Purpose of the Open Houses

These open houses will not include formal presentations but will operate on a drop-in basis, allowing attendees to come and go at their convenience. Community members living within 1,000 feet of the proposed routes have already been notified, ensuring they are well-informed about the discussions and opportunities for engagement. The schedule includes multiple locations and times, making it easier for people to attend.

During these sessions, attendees will have the chance to review potential route options, ask questions, and voice their feedback directly to the project team. Isaac Rhoades, President of Valley Link, emphasized that this round of open houses will focus on issues that matter most to local residents. Information on local economic impacts, health and safety measures, and the criteria for evaluating potential routes will be in the spotlight, as these themes were highlighted by attendees in the previous gatherings.

Open House Schedule

Residents can choose from several locations and times to attend an open house:

• - November 4: Misty Mountain Event Barn, Fisher, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 4: Tucker County High School, Hambleton, W.Va. (5 PM - 8 PM)
• - November 5: Frederick County Middle School, Winchester, Va. (5 PM - 8 PM)
• - November 5: Sissonville Middle School, Charleston, W.Va. (5 PM - 8 PM)
• - November 12: Lovettsville Game Protective Association, Lovettsville, Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 12: The Event Center at Brushy Fork, Buckhannon, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 17: Spencer Armory Facility, Spencer, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 17: Old Capon Bridge Middle School, Capon Bridge, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 18: Stonewall Resort – Roanoke Event Center, Roanoke, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 18: Ranson Civic Center, Ranson, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 19: Gilmer County Recreation Center, Glenville, W.Va. (4 PM - 7 PM)
• - November 19: Brunswick Fire Hall, Brunswick, Md. (4 PM - 7 PM)

Project Scope and Future Steps

The Valley North Project aims to establish about 260 miles of new 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Putnam County, W.Va., and Frederick County, Md., along with two new substations in Hardy County, W.Va., and Frederick County, Md. This initiative has been identified by PJM Interconnection as a crucial part of long-term planning to enhance the regional electric transmission system and support evolving energy demands.

As the project moves forward, it remains dedicated to an inclusive and collaborative approach. The refinement of potential routes will be based not only on technical studies and land-use considerations but also on the feedback garnered from the upcoming open houses. This ensures community perspectives shape the final proposals.

Can't Attend an Open House?

For those unable to attend, information shared during the open houses will also be accessible online at vltransmission.com/valley-north. Here, residents can find detailed project information, access maps as they become available, and submit their feedback electronically. Additionally, community members can contact the project team via email at [email protected] or by phone at (304) 207-0120.

About Valley Link

Valley Link Transmission Company LLC strives to build the necessary infrastructure to maintain reliable and affordable electricity for various sectors across the Mid-Atlantic region. Established with over 200 years of collective utility experience, Valley Link aims to enhance the regional grid and support long-term economic growth. Their proposed solutions to newly identified transmission needs were approved in early 2025, underscoring their commitment to cost-effective energy infrastructure that addresses future power demands.