AUGUSTA -- Tim Basham's property in China borders high-voltage transmission lines Central Maine Power Company hopes to upgrade as part of a billion-dollar overhaul of the state's electrical grid.

But Basham had heard very little about the project until Wednesday night, when he stepped into the Fort Western Room at the Augusta Civic Center for CMP's information session.

"I want to get an education," said Basham, standing in front of a large map with lines detailing where the work would be done. "I think they're doing the responsible thing."

More than 50 people from throughout central Maine took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the proposal, which would upgrade nearly 350 miles of the state's electrical infrastructure.

More than 95 percent of the new lines will be located in or next to the existing transmission line corridor.

The company maintains the project, which will cost an estimated $1.5 billion, is vital to ensure reliable electricity delivery throughout Maine. The 345,000-volt system went into service in 1971.

"Aging infrastructure, demographic shifts within Maine, changes in the location of generation and growing electric power needs over the last four decades have raised concerns over system reliability and power delivery for the future," the company said in a statement. "CMP has identified certain needs for the transmission system which must be addressed to ensure that this system can continue to serve the existing and future needs of customers."

Wednesday's information session, required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, was the fourth such forum held throughout central and southern Maine.

Company representatives answered questions, but the information blitz also included PowerPoint presentations, maps, graphics and even computer stations that showed satellite images of specific addresses with the proposed power lines superimposed on top.

"This has been a very informative meeting," said Peter Nielsen, who will take over as Oakland town manager later this month. "They've been great as far as providing information."

Stephanie Jordan, of Westbrook, was driving through Augusta and decided to stop by even though the project will not directly affect her property.

"I was just looking for more information on the project," she said. "I think it will impact the electrical infrastructure of the state and I want to see how."

Connie and Gregory Henderson, whose property in Dixmont abuts the proposed line route, have attended the three other information sessions, sharing their concerns about electricomagnetic fields associated with the proposed lines.

The couple cite recent studies indicate such fields cause health problems, including cancer and depression.

"They need to go underground (with the wires)," Connie Henderson said.

The couple also believes the new system's greatest benefit will be outside this state, including New York and Canada.

"Maine doesn't need it," Connie Henderson said.

Program consultant Kay Rand -- a former chief of staff for Gov. Angus King and a frequent contributor to the Kennebec Journal -- said she hopes the sessions help change the minds of people such as the Hendersons.

"We're working it through one person at a time," she said. "CMP's going to be a neighbor to these people for a long time."

Craig Crosby--623-3811 Ext. 433

ccrosby@centralmaine.com