State attempts to calm hard feelings over Vermont Gas project
“The Shumlin administration has stepped in to soothe contentious right-of-way negotiations between Vermont Gas Systems and a group of Monkton landowners.
Vermont Gas recently sent letters to several landowners along its proposed natural gas pipeline extension stating that land will be taken by eminent domain easement agreements aren’t negotiated. On Thursday evening, state officials assured residents the rhetoric would be toned down.
“We’re not happy with that process. They are going to restart that process,” Public Service Department Commissioner Chris Recchia told the group.
Vermont Gas plans to break ground on a 41-mile, $86 million pipeline from Colchester to Middlebury this year. The Public Service Board, the state’s utility regulator, approved the project last year.
The company hired Clough Harbor Associates of Albany, N.Y., to negotiate deals with landowners. The firm’s land agents sent letters to several property owners with easement offers to point out Vermont Gas’ right to take the land through eminent domain if they did not negotiate the offer.
Vermont Gas said it has secured easement agreements for more than 50 percent of the pipeline. State officials are asking the company to directly negotiate the remaining easement agreements with landowners.”
Herrick, John. Bennington Banner 11 March 2014.