Radio station reacts to energy project

CLARK COUNTY, Ill. (WTHI) - Ameren Transmission educated Marshall, Illinois residents Tuesday night about their project that could promote renewed energy.

However, many are against construction.

WMMC 105.9 FM has been broadcasting through the airwaves for about 30 years.

"We serve the community and we've got a good business. We're entrenched in the community and I think people, I'm sure want us to stay here," WMMC Owner and President JD Spangler said.

However, a proposed project that involves building transmission lines through Illinois could change where folks get their tunes.

Spangler found out about the project yesterday from a listener.

"With the kind of voltage they're going to put out, that will affect the signal. The signal will not be able to be transmitted out to the public," Spangler said.

The lines would be located 100 feet from WMMC's tower.

If MISO and Ameren Transmission's project is approved, WMMC will have to move it, costing the station hundreds of thousands of dollars, money they don't have.

"Wherever its put, it will be inconvenient for somebody, no doubt. But there's a lot of areas where there are no people that it can run through. There's a lot of areas where there's not a 500 foot tower," he said.

It's a controversial issue with many layers.

"This is a mandate from the federal government about green energy. It's not needed. The country is $16 trillion in debt, we don't need to be creating more debt when we don't need to."

Residents and businessmen like Spangler say they're not opposed to improvement but want an input.

"Don't give me the a few have to suffer for the many. Well, then take care of the few, take care of them."

To voice your concerns, you can do so on Ameren's petition next month and at Illinois Commerce Commission .