Caldwell County Commissioners have come out against the so-called “Grain Belt Express” high voltage power lines intended to connect Kansas wind-energy farms with electric utilities in Missouri and other states east and north of Missouri.

The Clean Line Energy Partners project already includes a proposed route across Kansas that would cross the Missouri River from southern Doniphan County to an area near Southwest Contrary Creek Road in Buchanan County. There are several proposals for the Missouri crossing, all but one of which cross Caldwell County.

Commissioners say many of the citizens in their county oppose the project.

In a letter to the Missouri Public Service Commission, the commissioners rescinded earlier letters of support, and stated they have not granted approval in their county.

The letter states that citizens are concerned about the impact the lines may have on their livelihood, health, economy, future land use and the aesthetic beauty of the area.

The commissioners also “strongly encouraged” regulators to consider the future impact the line would have, before granting operators public-utility status, and the right to obtain easements through eminent domain.