A proposed power line project in Fairfield and Bridgeport just got a boost from the state Siting Council.

In a non-binding straw poll Thursday, the council voted 6-2 in favor of United Illuminating’s plan to build a 19.5 acre run of monopoles, some reaching up to 145 feet tall.

A similar poll in June saw the council reject the project.

Fairfield State Sen. Tony Hwang says the reversal was unexpected. “The shocking reversal was unexpected. It was stunning,” Hwang said. “And the Siting Council, in my opinion, did not offer a sufficient rational and reasoning for such a dramatic reversal.”

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim also responded to the decision, saying: “The residents and business communities of Bridgeport and Fairfield have been explicitly clear that this project is a massive overreach that will infringe on private property and negatively impact environmental and historic preservation efforts.” Ganim added, “It is unconscionable that the Siting Council would suddenly side with the financial interests of UI over the people of Bridgeport and Fairfield.”

Local leaders have asked for the lines to be built underground, but that option would cost an estimated half a billion dollars more.

A final vote could come at the next Siting Council meeting on Sept. 18.