To the editor,

As a concerned property owner in Polk County, N.C., I have requested that the proposed new transmission lines use existing utility easements.

We live in an extremely active equine area and the proposed new transmission line easements will have a tremendous, direct negative effect on our equine community. In addition, we currently have extensive trail systems in the county for horseback riding. The currently proposed new transmission rights of way will traverse major portions of our trail systems. Many, if not most, property owners who use these horseback riding trails relocated to Polk County primarily because of the equine lifestyle and trail systems afforded us in this area.

Not only will the new transmission lines being proposed affect property use for horseback trail riding, but have a high negative impact on property values. We are just starting to recover from the 2007 housing bubble collapse. Using the existing power line easements currently in place would eliminate the deleterious effects of the proposed, new transmission line routes through our wonderful, rural community.

Thomas V. Worden
Columbus, N.C.