Protesters in Barbour County gather to ‘Block Valley Link’
Barbour County residents gathered at the courthouse in Philippi to protest the proposed Valley Link transmission project, which organizers say would help power a data center outside West Virginia. Protesters cited potential impacts to private property, streams, wildlife, foliage and homes, and said they hope to stop the project entirely.
Residents of Barbour County gathered at the county courthouse in Philippi to oppose Valley Link, a proposed 260-mile transmission line that would cross West Virginia before entering Maryland. The project is intended in part to supply power to a data center several states away, according to protester Richard Siebert.
Protesters, including Jane Compton Williams, said the Valley North Project could affect family property and harm streams, wildlife, vegetation and homes. Valley Link has held open houses in affected counties and plans additional meetings in November, while opponents are urging residents to continue organizing against the project.