Earlier this year a federal court ruled that the massive power lines and 17 towers across the James River at Jamestown were constructed unlawfully. The Army Corps of Engineers was ordered to revisit the permitting process and to complete an Environmental Impact Statement fully evaluating alternative projects that would protect the James River and provide needed electric power to people on the Peninsula.
The Surry-Skiffes power lines dissect nationally significant landmarks like Historic Jamestowne, Colonial National Historic Park, and the Captain John Smith Water Trail. The project has transformed this section of the river, compromising the experiences citizens enjoy when visiting America’s birthplace. Industrial-scale construction of this magnitude, buzzing power lines, and bright strobe lights all harm the James River viewshed, and recreational opportunities on the river. The Army Corps of Engineers has been directed to fully assess these impacts and consider alternative projects that would eliminate the need for the Surry-Skiffes power lines. Your opinion can influence the outcome of this important permit decision.
The Army Corps is now accepting public comments, and we need your help at a public meeting on Wednesday, July 17.
What: Army Corps of Engineers Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, July 17 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg, 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Street parking is available, and registration is not required. A map is available here.
Attend the meeting and share your concerns with the Army Corps of Engineers to identify issues that the agency should consider while preparing the court-ordered Environmental Impact Statement.
Join us to make the case for a less harmful alternative and removing the towers.
Can’t attend the meeting? Comments on this project can be emailed to Mr. Randy Steffey (randy.l.steffey@usace.army.mil) by the deadline of August 1, 2019.