Leon County Commissioners want more information about a NextEra Energy project. Reports from the Tallahassee Democrat indicate the project will connect Gulf Power and Florida Power and Light substations by running transmission lines through seven North Florida Counties. But Commissioner Kristen Dozier says at this point local commissioners know little more than is printed in the newspaper—and may not learn more until the company applies for permits.
“But they can wait on that as long as possible while they’re surveying other people’s properties, while residents are being asked to give up their entire property, while lawyers are working with some residents. They are doing a tremendous amount before they get into that formal process with us,” Dozier says.
Leon’s commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter to NextEra demanding more information. Community members have raised concerns about the impact the project could have on their quality of life and the environment. Meanwhile, the city of Tallahassee has said the project could benefit the city. It would provide upgrades to some of the city’s power poles at no cost. The city has an agenda item on the topic scheduled for its meeting today at 4:00 in the city commission chambers.
