'We’re very concerned': Fredonia residents share concerns over proposed power lines

FREDONIA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The hot debate continues in Fredonia over the proposed power lines that could be built on dozens of people's properties.

The American Transmission Company (ATC) announced Tuesday that they submitted their application to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for the project that would build new substations and transmission lines to serve the data center in Port Washington.

One of the routes under consideration to build those power lines would go through Fredonia, causing safety, environmental and property financial concerns for residents in the area.

Another route proposed could go through Saukville, which has caused the two communities to be pitted against one another, with residents calling it a lose-lose situation.

“We’re very concerned about the area that we live in,” said Joe Gromacki, with the Protect Fredonia Coalition, who is also a Fredonia resident. “We want to protect the community. We want to protect the people who have invested a lot of their assets in the properties that they own, and we’re really concerned that that is all going to be taken away from us.”

Now, the PSCW will review the application submitted by the ATC. If the PSCW approves it, they will select the final route to build on.

As part of the PSCW’s review, they will collect public comments and Fredonia residents say they will keep advocating.

“We’re going to keep showing up as a coalition and not let this happen in our community,” said Patti Plough, Fredonia resident with the Protect Fredonia Coalition.

The ATC says the decision by the commission isn’t expected to be made until next spring.