A key permit decision for Central Maine Power's transmission project through western Maine could be made in less than two weeks. The state's Land Use Planning Commission has scheduled deliberations for Sept. 11 on whether the 141-mile project meets state siting standards for the unorganized territories that would host the line, which CMP wants to build to bring hydro-electricity from Canada to serve customers in Massachusetts.
LUPC's hearings on the issue have run side-by-side with those held by the Department of Environmental Protection, which will decide on a separate land use permit for the project. DEP staff are expected to issue a draft permit in October.
The final decision will be made by DEP Commissioner Jerry Reid.
