Wise Co. Power Plant-would represent 50 percent of the county’s entire tax base once it is constructed

County administrator Glen "Skip" Skinner will represent Wise county residents Tuesday at the State Corporation Commission hearing about the new Hybrid Energy Center at Virginia City. Kathy Still reports

Glen "Skip" Skinner, county administrator for Wise County, said he plans to speak at Tuesday’s hearing in support of the plant. Some county supervisors are also finalizing plans to do the same, he said.

"My message will be that the county has embraced this from day one," he said. "It has not been thrust upon us by anyone. This is something we asked for."

The plant could create 800 jobs during the lengthy construction phase and could support more than 250 coal mining jobs once it goes on line in 2012, if approval is granted. The plant could also create about 75 jobs once it is operational.

Skinner said the $1.6 billion plant would represent 50 percent of the county’s entire tax base once it is constructed. Using the region’s coal to create electricity adds value to the coal, he added.

"It’s good economic development to add value to your existing commodities," he said.(link)

I like Skinner. He seems to have good grasp on economic development and moving the county forward. The majority of people want the plant and the revenues generated. The anti mining extremists will protest. They represent a very small percentage of actual Wise County residents. Their complaints should fall on deaf ears. We want and need this plant.

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