Local opposition to Propel continues as proposed routing finalized, contractors hired

The New York Power Authority and New York Transco, co-developers of Propel NY Energy, have finalized the proposed routing of their planned underground transmission lines and hired contractors for pre-construction activities. Residents in affected areas continue to oppose the roughly 90-mile project, set to run across Nassau County into Westchester. 

July 17 was the final day for parties to file public comments with the New York State Public Service Commission in support of or opposition to the $3.2 billion project. The PSC must issue a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need and approve the project’s Environmental Management and Construction Plans before construction can begin. 

Several changes in proposed routing have been made. According to Marykate Guilfoyle, strategic communications manager at Transco, adjustments were made based on technical analysis, stakeholder input and the evaluation of alternatives.

Two route refinements were made in Glen Head and Glenwood Landing. The Back Road-to-Glen Cove Avenue-to-Glenwood Road segment was adjusted to “eliminate a complex trenchless Long Island Rail Road crossing.” The Glen Head Road-to-Glen Cove Avenue-to-Kissam Lane segment was also modified, in response to a “request for reduced magnetic field impacts along Glen Head Road.” And a proposed route in Syosset was adjusted to avoid a residential area, as a result of residents’ feedback.

One modification was made to the Daly Boulevard culvert crossing in Oceanside to “reduce schedule and construction risk.” Another was made on a segment in Uniondale and the Town of Hempstead to “avoid conflicts” with the Hempstead Fire Department and use wider roadways to mitigate traffic. 

NYPA and Transco have chosen Hallen Integrated Construction Services, Haugland Group and BOND Civil & Utility Construction Inc. to support pre-construction planning and regulatory submissions.

“These expert contractors are a valuable addition to further the development of detailed construction plans,” Transco President Joris Veldhoven said in a news release. “Their proven expertise on complex projects and strong track records and relationships in the project communities will result in thorough plans for the upcoming construction phase.” 

“Hallen Integrated Construction Services and Hallen Construction are excited to partner with NY Transco and NYPA on construction planning for Propel NY,” Shepard Poole, president and CEO of the Hallen Construction Co. Inc., said in the release. “This project is highly important and greatly necessary for the region.”

Among those who have supported Propel’s joint proposal, filed in April, are state agencies, the City of New York, construction firms, trade unions and some residents. Other residents, school districts, municipalities and elected officials, however, have filed comments opposing the project, which was chosen by the New York Independent System Operator in 2023 as a solution to issues like increased demand on the state’s power grid and reliability in severe weather.

“It’s premature to advance Propel, as it lacks both federal and state approval,” said Christine Panzeca, a Glen Head resident and a lead opponent of the project. “This is especially concerning, given that NYISO is aware that the project is not cost-effective and was specifically advised not to pursue it. In addition, more than 70 percent of the parties have not signed the joint proposal, citing significant unresolved deficiencies in issues affecting health, safety, environmental integrity, route selection, and procedural fairness.”

The Potomac Economics Market Monitoring Unit wrote in a 2023 report that “if the NYISO determines that it must or should select a project, we recommend that it reconsider its recommendation of T051 since it does not appear to be the most cost-effective project.” T051 refers to Propel. 

Others who have submitted statements in opposition include environmental groups; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi; Nassau County Legislators Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Patrick Mullaney; the North Shore, Roslyn and Syosset school districts; the Village of Sea Cliff; and Supervisors John Ferretti, Joseph Saladino and Jennifer DeSena of the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, respectively.

“I want to be clear at the outset: I understand the importance of a reliable electric grid,” DeRiggi-Whitton wrote in her opposition letter to the PSC.

“No responsible public official can ignore the need to modernize aging infrastructure, strengthen resiliency, and plan for future demand. However, reliability cannot be used as a blank check to impose a massive transmission project on local communities without fully addressing environmental risks, emergency response questions, construction impacts, and the very real cost-of-living pressures already facing Nassau County residents.”

-—Additional reporting by Will Sheeline.