HomeMy Public PortalAbout2006_05_23_r097
The Town of
Leesburg,
Virginia
PRESENTED May 23, 2006
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-97
ADOPTED May 23, 2006
A RESOLUTION: EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO CURRENT CONSIDERATION OF THE
WESTERN LOUDOUN TRANSMISSION LINE STAKEHOLDERS'
PROPOSAL OR ANY OTHER PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT A SPECIAL
TAX DISTRICT ON LEESBURG RESIDENTS, CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR
THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF UNDERGROUNDING BY JLARC,
AND CONTINUED COOPERATION AMONG DOMINION VIRGINIA
POWER AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.
WHEREAS, the Western Loudoun Transmission Line Stakeholders Group has presented a
proposal to create a special tax district on the Leesburg Study area to support the funding for
underground construction of the proposed Dominion Virginia Power transmission line in Loudoun
County (the "Proposal"); and
WHEREAS, the Proposal addresses issues that are the subject of ongoing litigation in Case No.
PUE-2005-00018 (the "Litigation") before the State Corporation Commission ("Commission"), as well
as issues to be evaluated in a study and report to be issued by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review
Commission ("JLARC") concerning the criteria and policies used by the Commission in evaluating the
feasibility of underground transmission lines in Virginia ("JLARC Study Report), as authorized by
House Joint Resolution No. 100; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council supports Dominion Virginia Power's revised E 7 Proposed Route
as amended in the March 2006 rebuttal testimony and underground construction for any electrical
transmission line in close proximity to the Town's municipal limits and opposing any construction that
involves part of the W &OD Regional Park Trail; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council's 2005 Legislative Agenda states "Protect Communities from
the Negative Impact of Overhead Power and Transmission Lines. Preclude the location of new,
large, overhead transmission lines in populated areas that would impact community quality of life and
A RESOLUTION: EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO CURRENT CONSIDERATION OF THE
WESTERN LOUDOUN TRANSMISSION LINE STAKEHOLDERS'
PROPOSAL OR ANY OTHER PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT A SPECIAL
TAX DISTRICT ON LEESBURG RESIDENTS, CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR
THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF UNDERGROUNDING BY JLARC, AND
CONTINUED COOPERATION AMONG DOMINION VIRGINIA POWER
AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.VIRGINIA
property values. Support underground alternatives for large, overhead transmission lines, as well as
powerlines in historic districts, scenic and park areas. Explore potential state tax or other incentives to
help address the cost to utilities as they attempt to meet the needs of Virginia communities in need of the
utility services."; and
WHEREAS, the Proposal includes the establishment of an "Underground Fund", the creation
of which may require legislative authorization by the General Assembly; and WHEREAS, as the Town
Council awaits the release of the JLARC Study Report, which is include the results of JLARC's
examination of (i) the factors considered by the Commission in its analysis of the feasibility of
installing underground electrical transmission lines; (ii) the effect on property values resulting from
installing underground, as opposed to overhead, electrical transmission lines, and the feasibility of
allowing surrounding property owners to agree to pay for the installation of underground lines; (iii) the
construction and long-term operating costs considered by the Commission in reviewing electrical
transmission line applications; and (iv) such other issues as it deems appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the Litigation and the JLARC Study Report will provide valuable information
concerning the benefits and impacts, including but not limited to the financial impacts, of the
underground construction and placement of electric transmission lines, and the need for or advisability
of a special tax or special tax district to support such construction and placement.
THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia that while the
Town Council supports the undergrounding ofthe proposed Dominion Virginia Power electrical
transmission line, the Town Council's consideration ofthe merits ofthe Proposal or any other potential
A RESOLUTION: EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO CURRENT CONSIDERATION OF THE
WESTERN LOUDOUN TRANSMISSION LINE STAKEHOLDERS'
PROPOSAL OR ANY OTHER PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT A SPECIAL
TAX DISTRICT ON LEESBURG RESIDENTS, CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR
THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF UNDERGROUNDING BY JLARC, AND
CONTINUED COOPERATION AMONG DOMINION VIRGINIA POWER
AND OTHER ST AKEHOLDERS.VIRGINIA
funding mechanism is premature. However, the Town Council opposes the proposal to impose an
additional tax on Town of Leesburg citizens and businesses. The Proposal addresses issues that are
the subject of ongoing litigation in Case No. PUE-2005-000 18, as well as issues to be evaluated as part
ofthe JLARC Study, and the Proposal may require authorization by the General Assembly in order to
be implemented. The Town Council supports continued cooperation among all stakeholders and
Dominion Virginia Power.
PASSED this 23Tdday of May 2006.
. U stattd, Mayor
Town of Lees burg
Resolution re Special Tax District