No power lines through Gros Morne: Williams

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams has ruled out running power lines through Gros Morne National Park as part of a Lower Churchill hydroelectric project.

Williams told reporters Wednesday that the Gros Morne route is no longer an option he is considering.

The premier had refused to rule it out in the past because an alternate route could be as much as $100 million more expensive.

But after a strong public outcry, Williams says he has reconsidered because he didn't want to create an eyesore in the park or threaten its UNESCO world heritage status.

Williams said he would like the federal government to help pay for any increase in development costs.

The plan was to build 40-metre high towers through Gros Morne National Park in order to bring power from the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project to Newfoundland.