NORWICH – So far, elected officials have been the primary extenders – from the government level – of public opposition to the <a href="http://www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI</a> power line. But should local and state tax dollars be affording concerned residents more than just the support of area legislators?

According to Supervisor James Bays (D-Smyrna), state departments and agencies should also be reviewing the 400,000 volt New York Regional Interconnection, and advocating in the best interests of the citizens, businesses and organizations they represent along the proposed corridor.

“We’ve given a pass to the appointed officials in the executive branch who have the same responsibility as legislators to act in the interest of their constituency,” Bays said. “We’ve let the executive branch off the hook.”

Since the fight began in March, citizens have been urged to contact their state and federal representatives, several of whom have in-turn conducted informational hearings with <a href="http://www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI</a> officials, provided line-item funding to fight the line, and helped pass legislation currently blocking the power company’s use of eminent domain. Bays contends the list of contacts should also include the names and addresses of the various executive state offices who are already statutory parties in power line cases – meaning they automatically receive every project Article VII application, including NYRI’s which was handed out in June – and are given the choice to study them and provide any insight in relation to their areas of expertise.

“We are missing the boat if we only look to our legislators,” said Bays. “We need to look at the executive branch as well.”

Statutory parties in the NYRI case include: Empire State Development; the Department of Public Service; the Department of Transportation; the Department of Agriculture & Markets; the Department of Environmental Conservation; the Department of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation; the Department of State; and the Attorney General’s Office. Thus far, the only notable involvement has come from the Attorney General, the DEC, DOT, and DPS.

Considering the <a href="http://www.evesun.com/topics/news/NYRI/">NYRI</a> power line would cut through 44 miles of Chenango County who’s number one industry is still dairy farming, Bays believes it would be prudent for the Department of Agriculture & Markets to assess how the line would effect farm land.

“We have not taken any action at this point. However, we are involved in those discussions,” said Jessica Chittendon, a spokesperson for Agriculture & Markets. “We are one of the agencies that are involved. We are looking into it.” The line would also cut through predominant farming counties such as Madison and Delaware.