BPA defends need for new line in SW Washington

Published 6:32 am Friday, April 30, 2010

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Go east!

That was the message protesters delivered to a Bonneville Power Administration office in Vancouver in a demonstration against a proposed high-voltage line through southwest Washington.

Many people want the agency to move the proposed route farther away from residential areas between Castle Rock and Troutdale, Ore.

The Columbian reports a BPA engineering vice president, Larry Bekkedahl, spoke with the demonstrators Thursday. He said the new line is needed to meet the demand for power along the Interstate 5 corridor, especially with the increasing use of air conditioning.

The agency is expected to narrow the possible power line routes this summer and make a final decision on the project in 2012.

Information from: The Columbian, www.columbian.com