SHERBURNE – The New York Regional Interconnect power line is not a done deal – not even close – a group of area citizens and elected officials told a crowd of 70-plus anti-NYRI rally-goers in downtown Sherburne Saturday.

“It’s not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination,” said Stop NYRI co-chair Chris Rossi. “We’re in a good place with these guys (NYRI).” Rossi believes support at all levels of government has been, and will be, crucial.

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of NYRI’s Article VII review application filing with the New York State Public Service Commission, the state’s power line authority. Stop NYRI organized a “Communities, Not Corridors” rally to demonstrate the continued local opposition that’s existed since the project was first announced.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” said Sherburne resident Gertrude Lathrop, referring the $1.6 billion dollar power line that, if approved, would cut through the historic village she resides in with her husband, Gene. “If we don’t do something we’ll be in tough shape,” Gene added as the two listened to anti-power line speakers in the park.

NYRI’s Article VII application was temporarily denied by the PSC in July because it lacked several required studies, including proof its project improved electricity reliability downstate, one of its main selling points. The company says it will be re-filing in early June.

Speaker Harry Conley, the Town of Sherburne supervisor, said he doesn’t understand how the power line, as it stands, could even be considered.