Transmission line proposed in Missouri causes conflict

A new transmission line that could be built right through the middle of Missouri is causing conflict.

The Grain Belt Express Clean Line is a 750 mile long high voltage transmission line that would stretch from Kansas to Indiana, with part of it cutting through Missouri.

Counties like Chariton, Randolph, and Monroe are just a few of the one proposed to be a part of the route.

But some land owners in those counties are less than pleased about the possibility of their land housing part of the line, even creating a group called “Block Grain Belt Express Missouri”.

Some land owners say the proposed line will cut through their farms, costing them money and crops. But others say it isn’t about the money, it’s just about not having their land taken over by eminent domain.

“They keep telling us how much money we’re going to make off of it, but money isn’t the issue, we just don’t want the thing through our property!” Moberly resident Mike McKeown said.

He is just one of many members fighting to keep the line off of his land.

“This is what I call a ‘land grab’ that would take 13.4 acres out of the center of my land and totally abuse it,” Gary Kribbs agreed.

But a spokesman for the Clean Line Energy Partners, the private company out of Houston, Texas, working to put the transmission line in, says Missouri would only benefit from the power line.

“Missouri would be access to low cost energy. It’s about a billion dollar investment into Missouri that would mean manufacturing and construction jobs,” spokesman Mike Waller said.

He said the line would also help with tax money.

“The typical county would receive about $800,000 dollars in the first year alone that will go to schools, fire districts, ambulances, libraries, etc.,” Waller said.

That tax money is why County Commissioner Wayne Wilcox told ABC 17 News he’s for the transmission line.

He also said it only a small portion of the 26,000 Randolph County residents that are against it.

But those who are against it said they will keep fighting for it, and are confident they’ll win.

According to the website, the Grain Belt Express Clean Line is an estimated two billion dollar project, and expected to be completed in 2016.