CC Board of Supervisors votes to oppose transmission line

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The Clarke County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to formally oppose the proposed Valley North Transmission Line Project.

The project calls for a roughly 260-mile, 765-kilovolt transmission line running from Putnam County, West Virginia, to Frederick, Maryland.

Three of the four proposed routes leaving Frederick County, Virginia, would cross properties in Clarke County.

The project would require an estimated 200-foot-wide rightof-way, with transmission towers standing between 150 and 170 feet tall.

County officials say the electricity would primarily serve areas east of Clarke County.

The Board of Supervisors joins several other county groups in opposing the project.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recently passed a resolution against a route through Chet Hobert Park.

The Planning Commission also opposed the proposed routes, citing conflicts with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Conservation Easement Authority has raised concerns about impacts to protected properties.

The Board’s resolution cites potential effects on conservation easements, agricultural and forestal districts, rural historic districts, prime farmland, county parkland and groundwater resources.

Supervisors also expressed concerns about the project’s potential impact on Clarke County’s rural character, agricultural industry and preserved woodlands.

As part of its opposition, the Board unanimously approved a $500,000 legal contingency fund and authorized the county administrator and county attorney to hire outside legal counsel to challenge the project.

State lawmakers, including Delegates Delores Oates and Bill Wiley and Senator Timmy French, have also publicly opposed the proposed transmission line.

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Clarke County weighs impact of proposed 765-kV transmission line

Clarke County Used by permission by Clarke County

The Clarke County Board of Supervisors says it is preparing for the possibility of a major new electrical transmission project that could run through the county.

At its June meeting, the board acknowledged Clarke County is within the study area for a proposed 765-kilovolt transmission line stretching about 260 miles between Putnam County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland.

The project would include new transmission structures at least 150 feet tall.

Officials say Valley Link Transmission will host a public open house in Clarke County on July 7th from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clarke County Fairgrounds Ruritan Building in Berryville.

While the county does not have approval authority over the project, supervisors say they will independently review potential impacts on conservation lands, historic and cultural resources, scenic highways, agriculture, and public facilities.

Board leaders are encouraging residents to attend the open house and provide feedback, saying a project of this scale could significantly affect the county’s landscape and character.

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Rezoning of Camp 7

The Clarke County Board of Supervisors has approved rezoning for part of the former Camp 7 property.

The Board approved a request from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to rezone 40 acres to light industrial.

This zoning district was created specifically from the site with input from local citizens and economic development and planning groups.

The rezoning aligns with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and will be supported by the extension of public water and sewer services early next year.

The IDA is now conducting several studies to evaluate future uses for the former prison building and surrounding land.

The County purchased the property earlier this year from the State for $100,000 allowing local officials manage its development.

Grant funding has already been secured for completed studies, with additional grant applications currently pending.

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Clarke Board of Supervisor fill a vacant seat

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The Clarke County Board of Supervisors report that they have filled a vacant seat on the board at their last work session.

The board voted unanimously to appoint Douglas Shaffer to fill the recently vacated seat of Matthew Bass.

Bass tendered his letter of resignation in early April and announced his intention to run for Commonwealth’s Attorney for Clarke County.

Shaffer will be sworn in before May 17 and participate in his first Board of Supervisor’s meeting May 21.

Shaffer will serve as the Berryville District supervisor until the Clarke County Electoral Board certifies the results of a special election on November 5.

Of course, any qualified person, including Shaffer, can run for the Berryville District seat in November as well.

Before Shaffer’s appointment the board interviewed 4 candidates for the temporary position all of which brought a lot to the table according to board vice chair Terri Catlett.

Shaffer’s 20 years of service to the county and his solution-based way of approaching issues were swaying factors in his selection.

The 63-year-old Shaffer was born and raised in Berryville and has been in a variety of positions since 2000 and is a Virginia Certified Planning Commissioner.

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Solar amendment approved

After a public hearing on January 16th, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Solar Power Plant and Use Regulations.

Effective immediately, the amendment allows for utility scale solar to be in areas of the county where they already exist.

The amendment also clarifies that homeowners and farms may install solar to power on their private lands.

Any spare power can be sold back to the power grid.

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REC plans for new headquarters

Sixty-five acres at Double Tollgate has been rezoned where Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) plans to build its new regional headquarters.

Following a public hearing on Oct. 17, the Clarke County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved rezoning the land from Agricultural‐Open Space‐Conservation to Highway Commercial and Highway Access Corridor Overlay District so that REC can develop a regional office as a “public utility facility”. 

REC is Clarke County’s main electricity provider.

By moving its headquarters from Front Royal to Double Tollgate, located near the boundaries of Clarke, Warren and Frederick counties, REC can better serve all customers.

REC will pay all applicable Clarke County taxes, and a representative said cattle may continue to graze on the property.

REC also plans to continue to allow cattle to graze on the property.

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