Park Service advising state on power line

BUSHKILL — In a recent statement, the National Park Service is advised the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that it will adhere to its own regulatory and approval process regarding the proposed construction of a 500kV transmission line. That line would traverse 4.2 miles of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The construction of any new line will require a permit by the park service to ensure that this action will protect park resources. The park service will conduct an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. The park service will be the lead agency for those purposes; however, various federal and state agencies will also be involved with the process. The public will have many opportunities to comment and affect the eventual outcome of the proposed construction. The Delaware Water Gap NRA Delaware Water Gap is the eighth most visited area in the National Park System. It encompasses 70,000 acres on both sides of the Delaware River in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Delaware River, the longest un-dammed river in the eastern United States, is designated as a unit of the National Wild and Scenic River System. ; its exceptional quality waters provide both recreation and drinking water for millions of residents in neighboring metropolitan areas. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in addition to being a unit of the National Park System, is the flagship of the National Trails System. Extending 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia, the trail is the most famous hiking path in the world. It offers a primitive outdoor recreation experience to millions of visitors annually.