CHENANGO COUNTY – In a draft report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, Chenango County has been listed as part of a preliminary National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

If the designation stands, New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s power line could gain approval from the federal government, even if the project is lawfully reviewed and denied by the state Public Service Commission.

Guided by provisions in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the DOE is moving ahead with its goal of fast-tracking upgrades in the nation’s transmission system. The department has pushed that this be achieved through private investment, causing local and state communities to question the merit of recent power line proposals.

All eight upstate counties that would play host to the power line were among a total of 47 from New York state that are part of the Mid-Atlantic Area Corridor. Eight other states, including Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia were included in this corridor.

One other potential corridor was announced that covers parts of California and Arizona.

NYRI is seeking to run a 190-mile-long power line from Oneida to Orange County, splitting 44 miles of Chenango County, in an effort to relieve energy constraints downstate.