NORWICH – New York Regional Interconnect Inc.’s uphill battle to implement a $1.6 billion high voltage transmission line has gotten significantly steeper following what state legislators are calling a major victory in Albany Friday.

Both the senate and assembly easily passed bill S. 8349-A, which would deny certain electricity transmission proposals the power to acquire private property via eminent domain. The bill states that the use of eminent domain would not be available for projects that begin and end in New York state; that will increase electric rates in another part of the state; or projects that applied for and did not receive early designation as a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.

“This isn’t a town putting in a bridge or sewer line for the public’s benefit – to help our neighbors and friends. This is a power line that benefits a few: downstate electric users and private investors,” said bill co-sponsor Senator Jim Seward (R-Milford) in a press release Friday. “We’re saying the fat lady has sung and NYRI is headed for a footnote in a book about how not to treat upstaters whose property and livelihoods are on the line.”