Sturgis-Coldwater News

State Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) has called on Branch County residents to provide feedback to ITC Michigan regarding a new power line project that will run through private properties in the county. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently approved the “Helix to Hiple” transmission line, which will extend over 50 miles from Calhoun County to the southern part of Branch County.

As part of its approval, the MPSC requires ITC Michigan to consider specific requests from landowners for minor changes to the route. Next month, ITC is expected to file a memorandum with details on how affected property owners can submit these modification requests. Wortz highlighted the importance of this opportunity for local residents.

“If ITC’s leadership would willingly work with landowners in the area and be more accommodating to their concerns, both they and the landowners would benefit,” Wortz said. “That’s why I am encouraging Branch County residents to reach out and ask ITC to consider their concerns. Listening to landowners’ input would help ITC avoid thousands of dollars in wasted legal expenses and perhaps even earn them the support of the public. By placing transmission lines along roads, public lands, or the edges of private properties, ITC would help maintain both energy expansion and fair practices for landowners.”

Wortz has also introduced House Bill 4526 earlier this term. The bill aims to give property owners more options when challenging eminent domain claims related to electric transmission lines by changing how courts review MPSC decisions about public necessity. Under her proposal, judges would be required to favor routes that follow property boundaries or use public lands and existing rights-of-way.

Wortz explained that ongoing concerns about the “Helix to Hiple” project were a key reason for introducing this legislation.

“This process has highlighted a number of issues with Michigan’s eminent domain laws and the transmission project approval process,” Wortz said. “I continue to hear from more and more people that I represent about issues they have had with ITC. While I am grateful that the MPSC is requiring ITC to be more considerate of landowners’ input, this incident has made it obvious that we need a legislative fix to hold these energy companies accountable.”