Last week, I joined residents of the Braemar community to see how the neighborhood would be affected if Dominion Energy chose the Blue Line, also called the Route 5 option, to connect Nokesville Substation to a future Bristow Switching Station. Walking through the woods with these residents as they shared their concerns reinforced my belief that of the three possible route options, Prince William County must oppose the one that would cut through the heart of Braemar.
The Blue Line would intrude into backyards, require the clear-cutting of trees, disturb wildlife, and interfere with community space. While providing for our ongoing energy needs is essential to progress in Prince William, this route clearly isn’t the way.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors does not have the authority to make this state-level decision, but our voices are considered in decisions that would cross county-owned land, as Route 5 would. I will be urging Dominion to abandon Route 5 in favor of a minimally intrusive route that better fits with my vision for smart growth in Prince William, and working with Brentsville Supervisor Tom Gordy as he proposes more appropriate alternatives for the people of his district.
I encourage Prince William residents to amplify their concerns, sending comments to Dominion Energy and state representatives.