New transmission line should be relocated

Dear editor:

We are writing concerning the Idaho Power Gateway West transmission line.

We are particularly concerned with the effect this line will have on the communities of Murphy, Oreana, Grand View and Bruneau.

This section of the transmission line crosses a considerable amount of private property, impacting several of our local farmers and ranchers. In light of our current economic situation this is offensive and insane.

These communities are surrounded by public lands. It is our strong opinion public utilities should traverse public lands and not impinge upon the hardworking taxpaying private property owners.

We do have an alternative. There is an existing transmission line owned by Pacific Corp. on the north side of the Snake River. We propose that the Gateway West Transmission line should parallel this existing Pacific Corp. line. We have made maps to illustrate our proposal. These maps are on display at the Owyhee County Planning and Zoning Office, Murphy; Y-Bar Restaurant, Grand View; Bruneau Library, Bruneau. Please view our maps and communicate with your elected officials regarding this matter, which so greatly impacts our communities.

Ernei Breuer

and Robyn Thompson,

Oreana