Public Can Weigh In On Power Plant, Transmission Lines

The public will get a chance to provide input today on Progress Energy's plans to build a nuclear power plant in Levy County and run new transmission lines through Hernando County.

Citizens can provide a statement between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Brooksville Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Boulevard. The lodge is just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

The hearing in front of an administrative law judge is part of the process Progress must follow to get approval from the state to build the plant and run about 200 miles of additional power lines through West Central Florida. About 40 miles of lines will extend from the plant through Citrus County and into Hernando to move power to this region of the state.

The proposed routes released earlier this year stick mainly to the power company's existing corridors, minimizing the amount of additional right of way required for the transmission lines.

Construction of the lines is planned to begin in 2012, with the plant expected to be in service in 2016. The project will require approval by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies.

Information is available at www.progress-energy.com/energyplanning, by e-mail to energyplanning @pgnmail.com, or by phone at 888-238-0373.