Hill Country reaction ranged from consternation to relief Wednesday as the Lower Colorado River Authority submitted its preferred route for new electric transmission lines.  Environmental groups in Kimble and Gillespie counties decried the $367 million project's anticipated destruction of unspoiled rural areas.

“It goes right through the countryside,” said Bill Neiman of the Clear View Alliance, based in Junction. “They're not following any of the existing compatible rights of way, such as U.S. 277 or Interstate 10, or existing 138-kilovolt lines.”

In Kerr County, the reaction to the 2,500-document filing to the Public Utility Commission was warmer.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/lcra_submits_preferred_routes_for_transmission_lines_in_hill_country_99508914.html