NORWICH – Congressman Michael Arcuri (D-Utica) kept his word Monday and unveiled – in-person – two federal anti-power line bills to citizens in Chenango County.

Congressman Arcuri broke down the tandem pieces of legislation – which are aimed at curbing New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s 400,000 volt transmission line proposal – to the crowd of roughly 35 to 40 that gathered in the City of Norwich Fire Department. On hand were state Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, city Mayor Joseph Maiurano, city Supervisor Linda Natoli, and Town of Norwich Supervisor David Law. Arcuri had originally scheduled the introduction for Feb. 5, but postponed it due to inclement weather.

The NYRI power line would take upstate electricity supplies downstate, cutting through eight counties – including 44 miles of Chenango – on its way. Citizens and local officials have come out in droves to oppose the project, arguing the line in an unnecessary, arbitrary, and solely lucrative energy solution that would devastate the rural communities and environments that would host it. NYRI is a subsidiary of Colmac Power, a Canadian energy firm. The identities of all the project’s investors are unknown.

The congressman told the crowd that the NYRI issue is personal.