Residents and trust oppose Valley North Transmission Line; commission to consider resolution

Trust representatives and local residents told the Upshur County Commission on July 9 they oppose the proposed Valley North Transmission Line and urged local officials to act.

At 9:15 a.m. Patricia McCarron, Trustee of PMBR Haven Trust, presented formal comments and objections to the commission, saying the project’s 765-kilovolt line would cross West Virginia, touching Upshur County, affect thousands of acres statewide and could reduce property values, increase electricity bills, harm tourism and pose health risks. The commission voted to add a resolution of opposition to the July 16, 2026 meeting agenda so the body can consider a formal position.

Commissioner Samuel R. Nolte moved to place the resolution on next week’s agenda; Commissioner Douglas K. Bush seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Resident Tim Bryan provided additional local detail about potential routes at 9:30 a.m., and Upshur County Assessor Dustin Zickefoose said he would consult the county’s GIS provider about posting a proposed route map to the Assessor’s website so landowners can see whether the line would cross their property.

No formal resolution was adopted on July 9; the commission only approved agenda placement for July 16. The commission packet includes copies of the submitted comments and FOIA responses referenced during the discussion.