by Margaret Watson http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/story/692860.html
Idaho PowerCo. 's poorly conceived plans to build a major new electric transmission line on a route that runs directly through our small city's area of impact has forced us to undertake what can only be termed a battle for the future of Parma.
This battle should not have happened. It could have been avoided. But faced with decisions that have a huge impact on our future, we will not back down, because too much is at stake.
For reasons that are still a mystery, Parma - its citizens and elected officials - were entirely left out of the planning for this huge new project. There is no question that the proposed 298-mile, 500-kilovolt Idaho Power transmission line between Boardman, Ore., and the Hemingway substation, 25 miles southwest of Boise, would severely impact Parma's future commercial and resident development, stifle future growth and damage property values. . .
Why, then, were Parma city officials left out of Idaho Power's planning? Idaho Power representatives made no effort to open a dialogue with those of us who stand to receive the most impact from their proposed project. . .
Idaho Power now calls its failure to notice the incompatibility of its transmission project with the city's planning for the future an "oversight." Some oversight.
From this difficult and costly experience, I've taken away a couple of important lessons. We can all agree that providing electricity in a reasonable and cost-effective manner is essential and that new transmission lines will be sited in the western United States. At the same time, the burden must be on the developers of these massive projects to first consult with and understand in detail the very real impacts in our communities. Had Idaho Power made this effort, I am convinced we could have saved them time and money and prevented weeks of heartburn for people in and around Parma.
Second, real community involvement and engagement that occurs before lines are drawn on a map is essential. It is the responsibility of project proponents to consult and collaborate with city officials, business owners, landowners, school districts and residents who will be impacted before they make wide-ranging and, in Parma's case, seriously ill-informed decisions.
We strongly believe that Idaho Power's decision to site transmission lines in the area where Parma intends to grow must not stand. An urbanizing area such as Parma is no place for a huge electric transmission line - a position we would have put forward forcefully to Idaho Power early on, had we been given the opportunity.
Now, we have no choice but to fight for the future of our community.
Margaret Watson is the mayor of Parma.
