Mayors object to SWEPCO line

Pea Ridge, Garfield and Gateway mayors object to the proposed route (No. 33) for Southwestern Electric Power Company which will cross their communities.

Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree sent a letter stating his objections.

Gateway Mayor Frank Hackler and Garfield Mayor Laura Hamilton both attended the Public Service Commission hearings in Little Rock last week.

“I was overwhelmed by the number of people there,” Hackler said, stating there were anywhere from 100 to 150 people at any one time. “There were at least a dozen lawyers there representing people from Garfield and Gateway. They did

a great job stating their position.”

“I’m really surprised by the whole process,” Hamilton said. “It’s just really hard to know how it will turn out. I feel like the ‘Save the Ozarks’ attorney had a really good presentation and brought a lot of information to light. We’re strongly opposed to Route 33. Our city attorney intervened against it.”

Hackler said he was told the line would deviate 500 feet to go around Gateway City Park.

Neither mayor was called upon to testify; both presented their letters of objection.

According to Hamilton, the judge’s recommendation will be given to the Public Utilities Commission after all testimony is presented.