Gas plant hearing

LISBON -- The public will have an opportunity to sound off in a formal setting regarding a proposed $600 million electric generation plant.
The Ohio Power Siting Board has set a public hearing on the matter for 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at David Anderson High School gymnasium, 260 W. Pine St.
Cogentrix Energy Inc. of Charlotte, N.C., is proposing to build the natural gas-fired plant, which it says it hopes to have operational by June 2004.
Two sites are being proposed for the plant. It's the power siting board's job to decide which of the sites, if either, the company will be allowed to build upon.
The primary site is along St. Jacob-Logtown Road in Center Township. The proposed alternative site is along state Route 45 in Salem Township.
Columbiana County commissioners and county development officials have stated they support the plant, which will employ about 500 workers to build it over a two-year period.
About 30 people would work full time at the facility once it's finished.
Objections: The power siting board has received several letters from area residents objecting to the facility's being located in the county.
A common complaint is that the plant would be noisy and spoil the rural beauty of the area.
Comments made at the public hearing will become part of the siting board's record and will be considered when the panel decides whether to approve the project.
It could be weeks after the hearing before the siting board makes a decision, Shana Gerber, panel spokeswoman, said Monday.