NORWICH – From Eliot Spitzer’s point of view, “NYRI is dead.” According to a report in yesterday’s Times Herald-Record, the state Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate said the power line project was dead, and “simply isn’t going to happen.”

A Spitzer campaign spokeswoman confirmed that the remarks were pure speculation based on the public and political opposition New York Regional Interconnect Inc. has confronted thus far.

NYRI’s bid is currently in review purgatory with the Public Service Commission, as that agency awaits a corrected Article VII siting application from the Albany-based company. The proceedings were stalled in July when the transmission developer’s original submission was ruled deficient. No word has been given from NYRI on when, or if, the necessary corrections will be made.

In the meantime, thousands of citizens and local officials along the proposed route have tried to avoid complacency in awaiting NYRI’s assumed next move – knowing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could also get involved – as they continue to retain legal services, organize campaigns, and spend local tax dollars on opposition resources. Which begs the question: How will they know – if NYRI doesn’t correct the Article VII – if the power line is alive or dead?