WASHINGTON – Chenango County and all 190 miles of New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s proposed power line route now fall within a “National Interest Transmission Corridor.”

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that it has officially designated two national interest corridors – a “Southwest” and “Mid-Atlantic” – in which the federal government can fast-track power line projects that it deems would relieve critical energy constraints.

The Mid-Atlantic corridor covers most of New York state and part or all of seven others on the east coast.

If approved, NYRI’s proposed power line would split eight upstate counties, including 44 miles of Chenango.

NYRI, a Canadian-backed company, claims the line will relieve energy congestion in the New York City area.

However, the state electricity grid operator recently ruled that NYRI’s power line was not needed.

More details will appear in Wednesday’s Evening Sun.