ATC initially called for three public hearings on the 345-kilovolt transmission line it wants to build in Dane County, either along the Beltline or a more rural route that passes through the city of Verona.
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz complained that none of the proposed hearings were in Madison. "It would appear as though your public input process is designed to produce a specific result: opposition to the southernmost route," he wrote in a letter to ATC.
"You cannot ignore Madison residents if you are sincerely seeking input that is balanced and fair."
ATC's Mark Williamson wrote back that few Madison residents - including the mayor - go to the hearings: "[T]he many meetings we have held in Madison consistently yield the lowest turnout....It's my understanding that you have yet to attend one of the four open houses we have held in Madison."
But the company did agree to hold a fourth meeting in Madison.
The four hearings are:
Monday, Aug. 20, 4 - 8 p.m., in Madison, at Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way.
Tuesday, Aug. 21, 4 - 8 p.m., in Stoughton, at LakeView Church, 2200 Lincoln Ave.
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 4 - 8 p.m.,in Fitchburg, at the Quality Inn, 2969 Cahill Main.
Thursday, Aug. 23, 4 - 8 p.m., in Verona, at the Heights Event Center, 411 Prairie Heights Dr.
