Essentially, theyve got a 1,000 dollar saddle on a 10 dollar horse.” GENTRY— This week SWEPCO abandoned a 116 million dollar project to build power lines, connecting Benton and Carroll County. Several conservation groups were opposed to the project and are celebrating the announcement. But one park in Gentry, still is not satisfied. The Gentry Drive-Through Safari Park has been entertaining Northwest Arkansans for decades. Leon Wilmoth and his family have been maintaining the park since his father started it in the early 70’s. “I feel like the luckiest person there is, it means everything to us.” Wilmoth said. In November of 2013, one section of the park was condemned by SWEPCO, to make room for power lines. Wilmoths lawyer claims the land was for upgraded power transformers for the companies line expansion from Benton to Carroll county. Wilmoth and his family have been seeking a re-trial of the courts decision to condemn. Sandy McMath, a lawyer out of Little Rock, is representing Wilmoth. He says the canceled project makes their case stronger. Our people are good citizens, theyre not trying to dodge the law theyre trying to just assert their rights. We feel like we have a strong case for setting aside this judgment and getting a new trial. McMath said. McMath believes that without the expansion, the upgraded transformers in the park are not needed. Essentially, theyve got a 1000 dollar saddle on a 10 dollar horse.” Peter Main, a SWEPCO representative says that the two lines are unrelated, and are part of separate projects. According to a press release, SWEPCO says they were informed by the Southwest Power Pool that the project was no longer needed. The letter published by the Company states: “The withdrawal is the result of notification by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) that the proposed project is no longer needed.”…”In its notification letter SPP said it based its determination primarily on updated forecasts that show significantly lower electric demand.” For Wilmoth, he says he will keep the park open as long as he’s able. Although there is work involved, seeing people enjoy the park make it worthwhile. There is a lot of work here, you know theres several bad days. If you see one, one kid, smile. I mean its worth it.” Wilmoth said. nwahomepage/fulltext-news/d/story/gentry-safari-park-seeks- appeal-after-section-is-c/34346/plYjIJpGt0mPtKrTVJinhQ
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:27:10 +0000