State officials are urging local government leaders in several Maryland counties to prepare now for an upcoming debate over a proposed multistate high-voltage line.

The so-called PATH power line is planned by Allegheny Energy and American Electric Power. It would run from St. Albans, West Virginia, to Kemptown, Maryland.

Allegheny Power says the precise route may not be determined until the end of the year. The companies would then seek regulatory approval from the appropriate states.

The Herald-Mail in Hagerstown reports that a representative from Maryland's Power Plant Research Program urged local governments and other interested parties at a meeting last week to start preparing for the state regulatory process. They were told that foot-dragging could enable the project to bypass the state process and win approval from federal regulators.