COLUMBIANA CO. Company resets date for power plant

There is a continuing need for electric generation in Ohio, a company argues.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- A company wants to build a $600 million power plant in Columbiana County sooner than announced.
When Cogentrix Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., publicized its proposal early this year, it said construction could begin in summer 2002, but it wants a waiver from the Ohio Power Siting Board to start building late in 2001.
The waiver is needed because Ohio law requires that an application to build a plant be submitted to the state at least two years in advance of construction.
Cogentrix has yet to submit its application, although the motion for waiver says the company intends to do so soon.
Cogentrix argues the waiver should be granted because there is a continuing need for electric generation in Ohio.
Looking ahead: The company wants to have its gas-fired generators operating by 2004.
The 1,100-megawatt facility could produce a maximum output capable, at any given moment, of supplying about half a million homes.
Cogentrix estimates the plant would employ 25 to 40 people and have an annual payroll of more than $1.5 million. Two sites are being proposed. The primary site is along St. Jacob-Logtown Road near Hunters Camp Road in Center Township. The company has said it also could build along state Route 45 near Eagleton Road in Salem Township.
The power siting board and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency must approve the site and design.
The approval process is expected to take months and would entail two public hearings.