They say history repeats itself, and today the controversy over approving an upgraded substation link to a PJM electrical transmission line reminds me of a remarkable bit of Delaware history. Back in 1908, a wealthy industrialist named DuPont realized our state was hobbled by a patchwork sequence of dirt farm roads that was bogged down in mud when wet or offered deep ruts when dry and dusty. DuPont realized that politicians would never agree to spend millions of dollars on a north-south road, so he decided to build it himself. He started in Selbyville and managed the construction himself all the way to Georgetown. By then, he had shown how to make what at that time was an invention, known today as an interstate highway.
Today, we need a newer type of road made of wires instead of concrete. It turned out that DuPont’s highway was a world-noticing success despite early complaints by farmers in Sussex County who would later have the most to gain. Today, an American company (US Wind) will pay to have a critical upgrading of the creaky old transmission system that experts warn will not adequately handle increasing electrical loads needed to support economic development. DuPont built his road for $4 million and gave it to the state. US Wind offers us a $200 million package of grid improvements that includes a substation that can be used for anyone’s electricity regardless of its source. If Sussex County Council turns this down, our taxpayers will need to dig up $200 million to do what PJM warns will need to be done anyway. I would not expect the new management in Washington, D.C., to help with this. Let’s go do it, council; the future will look back and appreciate the decision.
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
