Here's another letter to Missouri Governor Parson.
Dear Governor Parson,
As I sit here entering the eighth year after Grain Belt Express started their drive to build a transmission line through Missouri, to the East to deliver wind power, I wonder how this can still be going on. There have been sixteen public hearings before the PSC that I am aware of, hearings at Jefferson City, hundreds of letters of opposition, and hundreds of testimonies which have been overwhelmely opposed to this transmission line. Also Missouri citizens have had to spend an enormous amount of time, resources, and money against this attempt to illegally use the power of eminent domain for a private company. Even if they did qualify for a permit, statue 229.100 of Missouri law would require consent from each county commission before they apply to the PSC.
GBE has been denied a permit twice before the PSC and their status as a non public utility has not changed. I would think that should have been the last time GBE could apply before the PSC. However, The Missouri Supreme Court requested by GBE and former Governor Nixon, who was in support of GBE
while in office, sent the denial back to the PSC. Is there a limit as to how many times this process can go on? If GBE is approved then they would have the power of eminent domain the same as a public utility to seize private property. The only thing that has changed is that GBE has signed a contract to sell this project to the company lnvenergy. It was stated in GBE's easement agreement that their rights may be sold, mortgaged, or leased in whole or in part at any time. What kind of Pandora's box will we be subject to then?
As I understand, Missouri has ample wind and other power to meet its needs and it is questionable that GBE or lnvenergy would drop off any power in Missouri. Without being a public utility they could sell to the highest bidder. Giving a private company the power of eminent domain would not only give an unfair advantage to our existing public utility companies, it would set a dangerous precedence for the future of our state and it citizens.
My family and I have been on this land for eighty five plus years. This proposed line would cross five farms and three and one quarter miles of our most productive farmland. I have testified and written letters in the past as to the irreparable and sustained economic loss, and ability to farm the land, such a line would have on me and all people in its path. I and my family are firmly opposed to granting GBE this power of eminent domain and it is my hope that as Governor that you can do whatever is in your authority to protect the citizens of Missouri against such abuses of power. Thank you for your time in listening to my concerns.
Respectfully,
Kent Dye
Paris, MO
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