The Borough of Hopatcong was pleased with the PSE&G Settlement and have listed it as a grant or donation on their records - of course that was the officials of Hopatcong. Most of the residents of Hopatcong will find out about this project when they begin construction. You'll never find a protest from residents of Hopatcong because there are few public open meetings and the ones that take place aren't well announced and poorly attended. This keeps the amount of protesting down and enables officials to proceed with their rubber stamping.

Environmental impact or not, I'm reading about this issue on a computer in a well-lighted room in a heated house having just made coffee in an electric coffee maker, hoping we don't lose power today, etc. I can't help but think that every protester enjoys the same amenities. We can start to take these protests more seriously when all those who protest deny themselves any modern covenience powered by the means against which they protest - electricity, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, etc, and start to walk to their protests which should occur without electrical amplification, cell phone communication or on-line organization efforts. What if PSEG, JCPL, LILCO etc. had to respond to the recent storm cleanup with hand saws, horse drawn carts and handwritten notes delivered by modern day Paul Reveres? Deeds need to match words, or please be quiet!

although a 'tree hugger' I realize that all the great stuff in my home, from the coffee maker to the tv all consume electricity. We need to keep up with the growing demands. Unless I am wrong, it looks to me like more of an upgrade to areas that already had these towers and not cutting new lines out of forested areas. This project was destined to be done, no matter how many public hearings they held. if it wasn't done there wouldn't be enough power to keep up with demand.

Although we have the comforts of home with things run by electricity, what about the health of the people and the wildlife..I for one am a heart patient with problems with the electrical patterns in the heart..low EMF (Electrical field radiation) which is colorless, odorless and dangerous to the health of everyone and everything around.. Now we have to worry about the higher voltage emitting more unseen worries.. http://www.think-aboutit.com/energy/pwr_line.htm .. there are several links associated with this and if you think this is not happening now, go and educate yourselves more than just spouting off on your immediate feelings..Everyone wants technology, but the question is... Is it safe?

In Boonton/Montville/Kinnelon, the construction has already begun about a month ago! Once green/protected areas are covered with layers of gravel for easier access for the huge equipment. Across from the Kincaid home was once fields but now looks like a giant parking lot-not to mention the work in Pyramid Mt. I don't see how this will ever be restored to it's natural state-between this and all the trees down from Sandy and the following storms, it's a disaster area and I don't know why anyone would want to come back here to enjoy the "natural" scenery. I LIVE in this area and even with all the trees, luckily, have not had any issues with getting power. I'd be interested to know where the people who "have electricity and are enjoying their cups of coffee", reside? Just like the Highlands Act, providing water for the entire state of NJ and having no say in what happens in our own backyards, get ready, here it comes again!

One important thing to consider for New Jersey residents is that the powerline will NOT improve electric supply stability in the state. It's First Energy bringing coal electricity to customers in New York City.

I have also read that this project will be directed to NYC only.. I think that if NYC or any major city in the US needs power, Solar Panels or even Wind Energy is the way to go..Place these harmless components on the roofs of all high rises..This would produce more power and provide enough electricity for NYC and then some..It would also create more jobs..Everyone wants to go Green, so here is NYC's chance to show other cities that it can be done.. I've said my peace and a very Happy New Year everyone and thanks for your comment Michele..

Very true, and something the "Reliability Project" people don't want you to know...this construction is NOT benefiting the people of NJ in any way, shape or form. Even the original FERC paperwork states that the sole purpose of the project is to increase capacity to New York (translation: where we can charge more and make more money) despite the fact that this entire thing is ratepayer funded. So, everyone who doesn't see what the big deal is, think again. You are paying for something you will never use, never receive the benefit of, and which will destroy property values and wildlife habitat, and potentially negatively impact the health of thousands of people.