Residents Urged To Speak Out Against UI Monopole Proposal In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT ? First Selectwoman Christine Vitale is urging Fairfield residents to contact Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong to voice their opposition to the controversial United Illuminating proposal to install tall monopoles carrying high voltage transmission lines through parts of the town and Bridgeport.

In a non-binding measure last week, the Connecticut Siting Council voted 6-2 to approve UI's proposal to place dozens of monopoles south of the Metro-North train tracks, even though a couple of months before, the council has voted against that plan in another non-binding decision.

"This decision is indefensible," Vitale said in a message to constituents. "The Council ignored clear, viable alternatives, and instead rubber-stamped a proposal that claims more than 19 acres of private property running right through the heart of our downtown. This plan threatens the economic stability, natural resources and character of our Town. By ignoring proven, safer alternatives?such as placing transmission lines underground along public roadways, the standard across the nation and worldwide for densely populated areas like ours?the Council has chosen the most destructive path forward."

Read More:

• Court Overturns Controversial Decision; Ruling Is A Victory For Fairfield And Bridgeport
• Huge Price Tag For Underground Transmission Line Project In Fairfield & Bridgeport: UI
• Setting the Record Straight on UI?s Misinformation Campaign
• UI Responds To Statements By Fairfield Advocates In Monopole Dispute
• CT Siting Council Recommends A New UI Monopole Proposal In Fairfield
• UI's Monopole Project In Fairfield Inches Ahead With Siting Council OK

The Siting Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal at its Sept. 18 meeting. UI claims the project is necessary to harden the electrical system and meet future power needs throughout the region.

"UI?s obligation, as it has been from the start, is to replace aged and deteriorated infrastructure that is more than 60 years old, fortify the grid for electrification demands expected to double for New England customers by 2050, and allow for upgrades to the CTDOT rail corridor - all while minimizing costs borne by ratepayers as well as community and environmental impacts," said Jim Cole, vice president of Projects at UI, in a statement last year.

Vitale is urging "every resident and business owner to express your opposition" to the UI proposal, by contacting Lamont and Tong, in addition to the Siting Council.

"Fairfield wants smart, resilient infrastructure," Vitale said. "UI should be required to adopt a modern solution that protects our tax base, preserves our downtown, and ensures long-term safety and resilience. Instead, their current proposal would permanently scar Fairfield and Bridgeport and jeopardize our local economy for generations.

"My administration will continue to work with our legal team to oppose this plan and advocate for a new, responsible solution. I am steadfast in my commitment to fight for the protection of all Fairfield residents, businesses and places of worship. But we need your voice. Together, we can and must make clear that Fairfield, Bridgeport, and Connecticut deserve better. Fairfield and Bridgeport deserve better. Connecticut deserves better."