Alabama Power v. Fenn Church headed to Supreme Court

The legal battle between Alabama Power and Fenn Church over a Shelby County property is headed to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Official response and confirmed impact

The dispute involves a 74-mile, $248 million transmission line Alabama Power says is needed to relieve overloading on its existing electric grid.

The company says the section crossing Church's property represents about 0.55 miles of the project.

A preliminary injunction was granted after a two-day hearing.

Incident under investigation

Alabama Power is appealing a circuit court order that prevents the company from entering Church's property while the condemnation case is being appealed.

In its latest court filing, Alabama Power argues the circuit court erred by blocking access to property the company says it has a legal right to enter under Alabama's condemnation laws.

The company also argues the Church defendants have an adequate remedy through monetary compensation and that Alabama Power has already paid the condemnation award into court and posted a bond.

The court considered concerns involving Church's home, privacy and safety, as well as Buxahatchee Creek and old-growth trees.