Our PWC Board of Supervisors passed a resolution questioning the need for the Haymarket project, at their final meeting of the summer – unanimous by voting members (Supervisor Caddigan was absent).
Our Coalition of communities throughout Haymarket and Gainesville has been out front in challenging the need for this project, ever since VAData (Amazon) attorneys divulged in a meeting that they may never build out their data center campus in Haymarket. Proving the Need is a critical requirement for any transmission line project approval.
The Board is now echoing this position: IF a true need for the project is actually proven, that the only acceptable route is I-66 Hybrid, and nothing else.
Please read the Coalition’s motion to the SCC for a “reconsideration” Coalition Motion for Reconsideration & 4 affidavits – filed 071317, Coalition Grymes affidavit 071317. We provide several affidavits of what was said at that meeting with VAData/Amazon. It’s shocking!
The official Board resolution document is not yet available, but the below captures from the video the discussion and decision of the Board:
Corey Stewart announced he wanted to bring a resolution to the Board today (8/1/17). He commented: “With Dominion, early on when they started meeting with us, we took them at their word that there is a need …That there was a need for power on the Route 15 corridor. A need driven primarily by a data center customer.”
“Citizens from the whole community have been asking if this power is actually needed. I’m not so certain now that Dominion hasn’t lied to us.”
“The SCC in their final order of June 23 stated the project was needed. At the beginning, the Board accepted that Dominion had not lied to us. But based on other statements coming out now from the end user of the data centers, and questions being asked by the community, I don’t know that it’s true.”
Following are critical statements in the resolution captured from the video. Supervisor Candland moved that the phrase “and all other proposed routes, other than the I-66 Hybrid route” be added to the sentence which restates opposition to Railroad, Carver, and Madison routes. Supervisor Lawson seconded his motion. All supervisors present unanimously voted to approve the resolution as modified:
– Now therefore the Board of County Supervisors hereby supports the Coalition and Somerset Crossing in their efforts to evaluate whether or not there is a true need for a transmission line at this time.
– Further encourage the SCC to reconsider whether a need currently exists for a transmission line.
– Request additional information and ask for clarification from Dominion, Coalition and Somerset concerning the need for the transmission line.
– Reaffirm the Board only supports the I-66 Hybrid as the only acceptable route.
– Restate opposition to the Railroad, Carver, Madison and all other proposed routes, other than the I-66 Hybrid route.
– SCC strongly reconsider their selection of the Carver Rd. route due to negative impacts on community, and historical resources.
Approved by: Lawson, Nohe, Stewart, Candland, Jenkins, Anderson, Principi
Absent: Caddigan