HURRICANE, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The Meeks Mountain Trails are the heart of Hurricane Township, and Appalachian Power has released a plan to install new above-ground power lines – sparking outrage in the community.
The new plan proposal would overlap with inventor Matt Stevens’ memorial, which honors 13 American soldiers from across the country who were killed in a suicide bombing outside Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan as American forces withdrew from the Middle East on August 26, 2021.
“It just meant a lot to me to do something for these thirteen people and give back to the families, to come here and give people the opportunity to honor soldiers across the country,” Stevens said.
He created this memorial because he is a war veteran and feels connected to these men, having served in Afghanistan himself.
“Yeah, it means so much to me to see people on these trails,” Stevens said. “I mean, even as we were sitting here, people were driving through and you could hear them talking about the trail itself – seeing all the flags and what it means to them and to our country.”
AEP spokesman George Porter said the location was chosen because it was one of the best options for rebuilding the power line, but a route has not yet been decided.
“They need to see the trail system,” Stevens said. “They don’t see any of that. They just see green spaces and deforested areas to fight their way through. So when they realize how important these trails are and who they affect on a daily basis, I think the whole project becomes more human.”
Stevens feels most comfortable on the hiking trails and hopes AEP will preserve his monument.
“I just wanted to say, think of all the families out here,” Stevens said. “Not only those affected by the trail system in this community, but these thirteen people who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. I want you to think of those people.”
AEP has seen the news and is ready to listen to your concerns.
“This is just one of those situations where we ask,” Porter said. “Give us that personal information.”
Appalachian Power will host an open house on August 13th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Valley Park Conference Center and on August 14th at the same time at the Winfield Community Center.
To previous reporting >>> Appalachian Power’s new power line plans raise concerns
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