CHENANGO COUNTY – The New York Regional Interconnect power line is very much alive and – depending on who you ask – well. According to the local opposition leaders, it’s important that the public knows that.

“This project is not dead,” said Village of Sherburne Mayor Bill Acee.

Although the NYRI proposal has yet to officially enter the state’s power line review proceedings, recent mediation talks between the Albany energy developer and several of the issue’s active players are a sign NYRI’s bid is serious, said Attorney Dan Duthie, an energy lawyer retained by Sherburne.

“This project is going forward,” Duthie said. “They’re not going away.”

In July the Public Service Commission – the state’s power line authority – turned NYRI’s initial proposal away, citing deficiencies in the company’s Article VII citing application. NYRI representatives say the filing should be completed by June, over one year after its original submission.

“This is when the heavy lifting occurs,” the attorney said, arguing that increased involvement and funding from the quiet municipalities will be necessary in what he said should be a larger, more synchronized effort. “We have got to get it to the next level – it’s more than just a show of concern. Now we really have to do some work.”