Bridgeport Mayor Disappointed In Delay In UI Monopole Decision

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The recent decision by the Connecticut Siting Council to delay a vote on United Illuminating's proposed monopole transmission line project is disappointing to Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, he said Monday.

The utility company is looking to erect tall monopoles through parts of Bridgeport and Fairfield, which would carry high-voltage electrical transmission lines, as part of a system upgrade to better meet future power needs.

Officials, residents and businesses in both communities oppose the plan, and are calling on UI to place the wires underground.

Last month, the Siting Council delayed the vote on the matter, after UI argued that the postponement would allow Gov. Ned Lamont to appoint a new member to the council, who has experience in the field of ecology.

Read More:

• State Council's 'Straw Vote' On Important Bridgeport Issue Goes In City's Favor
• Huge Price Tag For Underground Transmission Line Project In Fairfield & Bridgeport: UI
• Fairfield, Bridgeport And State & Local Legislators Urge Dismissal Of UI Monopole Application
• Court Overturns Controversial Decision; Ruling Is A Victory For Fairfield And Bridgeport
• UI Responds To Mounting Opposition In Fairfield To Monopole Proposal

Prior to the delay, the council had taken a straw poll on the project, and voted 4-2 to deny it. That vote, however, was non-binding.

"The denial of UI’s application is the appropriate course of action, and while the delay on a final decision is unfortunate, we are confident that the Council will see through UI’s blatant attempt at delay and reach the right conclusion based on its prior analysis of UI’s proposal," Ganim said in a statement. "Nothing has changed with respect to UI’s proposal, which the Siting Council has correctly noted is not an appropriate project for this area. I look forward to continuing to protect the rights of the City and its residents on these matters."

Ganim added, "Despite UI’s misrepresentations in the press, the City believes that the appropriate course of action is for United Illuminating to seriously consider a cost-effective undergrounding solution, and my administration will continue to fight for that result."