APCo Seeks Substation in Forest

By Justin Faulconer, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va.

Jul. 28–Appalachian Power Company will ask Bedford County officials tonight for permission to build an electric substation in Forest.

To build the facility on 11 acres on the east side of Old Farm Road, the company needs a permit from the county. The land is zoned residential and substations are a special use.

The Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing on the matter at 7:30 p.m. for all those who want to speak.

In June the county’s planning commission unanimously approved the substation, which drew favorable remarks about its site location. The approval came with several conditions, including a height requirement of 65 feet on any transmission bays at the site.

A company representative told the commission the substation would help avoid overloads in the rapidly growing Forest area.

Supervisors are likely to take action on several other matters tonight, including a request to form a joint county and city of Bedford committee. The aim is to partner with a state movement to begin planning for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2011.

Also, a report on speed studies on several county roads is expected from County Administrator Kathleen Guzi.

To view tonight’s agenda, visit http://www.co.bedford.va.us and click on the Board of Supervisors link.

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Copyright (c) 2008, The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va.

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