News

Power line foes plan protest next week

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 2, 2015

MILLS RIVER — Duke transmission line opponents plan a protest from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Valley Ag on Highway 280 in Mills River.

"This is everyone's fight and we encourage all homeowners and business owners to join this protest on September 12," says Greg Van Voorhis, president of the Mill Ridge Homeowners Association. "We cannot stop vocalizing our opposition to these pending plans to bring power lines through western North Carolina. Duke Energy needs to continually hear how concerned we are about this situation."

Coordinators of the Mills River Homeowners Association Coalition urged all area residents to join in together for the protest against proposed Duke Energy power line expansion in Sections 12 and 10B. To participate or for more information, email Dukeprotest@gmail.com.

"We know that dozens of residents from the High Vista, Cummings Cove, Mills Pointe, Willow Creek Farms and Mill Ridge communities will be participating in this protest," Van Voorhis said. "More voices means Duke Energy can't ignore us. That's why we're encouraging all Henderson County residents to join in this protest."

Mills River, Big Willow, Horse Shoe and Etowah fall into Segments 12 and 10-B of the proposed Duke Energy Foothills Project. The power line threatens pristine waterways, farm lands and mountain trails, the group said.