County takes first reading on Dominion easement at Pocotaligo Preserve; public urges burying power lines

Council held first reading Sept. 28 on an ordinance authorizing the county administrator to execute an electric‑line easement with Dominion Energy at Pocotaligo Preserve, a county‑owned passive‑park property. County staff said the move will reconfigure a high transmission line away from a field where the county conducts prescribed burns and forest management; Jared Kidd described the proposal and said Dominion is fully funding the work so the county incurs no purchase cost.

Residents who had spoken earlier about tree canopy urged stronger mitigation. At public comment, Felice LaMarca asked the council to insist Dominion bury the line rather than maintain overhead service: “Do not sign this contract... Until they agree to take out overhead from this contract,” she said, urging council to begin the conversation about burying lines for resilience and canopy protection. Staff and council discussed feasibility and costs; staff said burying overhead transmission in unincorporated areas is typically a separate, costly policy choice and that franchises or municipal agreements are the usual funding mechanism for undergrounding utilities. Council advanced the matter on first reading and requested staff follow‑up with Dominion on options and timing.