Residents upset over energy project

MARSHALL, Ill. (WTHI) - Illinois residents met at Marshall Public Library, then lined Harlan Hall, for a topic that could affect their family for hundreds of years.

"One of the things we're trying to do at these open houses is to help people understand how they can advocate for themselves and every landowner, every citizen has the opportunity to advocate for themselves," Ameren Transmission Company Spokesman Leigh Morris said.

MISO and Ameren Transmission are working together on Illinois Rivers, a project that involves building transmission poles that span through Missouri, to Illinois and Indiana.

If approved, it's expected to bring renewable energy, improve reliability, and relieve transmission congestion, increasing business and decreasing homeowners' energy bills.

The concern residents worry about their property value.

"It's horrific, it's something that words can't describe, the feeling that it leaves, your friends and neighbors are just being thrown under the bus," Laura Tegrotenhuis said.

Josh Pickering and his family were planning on building a house in the area, but now aren't so sure.

"Good farm ground, a lot of good woodland and it's just going to be a bad deal for everybody, a lot of people," Josh Pickering said.

However, officials said while there are some drawbacks, the program will benefit the area.

"What we do today are going to benefit our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren," Morris said.

Ameren will file a petition to the Illinois Commerce Commission next month, opening up discussion for residents.

If the project goes through, construction is expected to begin in 2015.

For more information and to voice your concerns, you can offer comments on Ameren's petition.

Or contact Illinois Commerce Commission .