Appalachian Power’s Bancroft-Milton Transmission Line Rebuild Project has been the source of much controversy for Hurricane residents and the surrounding community. While the project would replace a transmission line which was first implemented over a hundred years ago, the proposed routes would go through Meeks Mountain Trails behind Hurricane City Park. Due to the construction and placement of the trails, running a transmission line through this area would destroy the paths of multiple trails and strike a devastating blow to the entire trail system.

Seeking community input about the project, Appalachian Power held two open houses last week, one at Valley Park on Tuesday, August 13, and one at the Winfield Community Center on Wednesday, August 14. Representatives from Appalachian Power were on site to take suggestions from the public, and several tables with maps were set up so that people could find out where their properties were in relation to the proposed transmission routes. Over 800 people came out to the Hurricane open house, creating long lines as people waited to sign in and let their voices be heard.