By Associated Press - Friday, May 2, 2014

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A list of alternative routes for the proposed Northern Pass electric transmission project was released Friday by the U.S. Department of Energy, drawing the applause of Gov. Maggie Hassan for its inclusion of plans that would put the lines underground.

“The people of New Hampshire deserve a transparent, thorough and rigorous review of the proposed routes, as well as a serious examination of alternatives,” she said in a statement.

Northern Pass would run 187 miles from Canada to southern New Hampshire, carrying 1,200 megawatts of electricity to southern New England markets. Opponents say the mostly overland lines would scar the landscape, cut property values and hurt tourism. Project backers say it would create jobs and provide clean hydropower.

The alternative proposals came from the DOE, cooperating agencies and public comments. One alternative would bury the transmission line along its proposed route through the White Mountain National Forest.

“Many questions remain about the impacts that the proposed project could have on the White Mountain National Forest, as well as on New Hampshire’s communities, economy, and natural resources,” Hassan said.

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