These jobs could pay for college

WELLSVILLE — Thursday was a good day for Columbiana County’s economy.

John Baardson, the president of Baard Energy of Vancouver, Wash., said only a major catastrophe would stop construction of his proposed $4 billion plant here to turn coal to clean fuel for vehicles.

Baardson is working with the Columbiana County Port Authority on the plant.

About 150 politicians, officials and citizens gathered at Wellsville High School to hear Baardson methodically describe the project.

Baardson said the technology created in Germany in the 1920s will allow creation of a clear, clean-burning fuel for use in cars, trucks and other vehicles.

The proposed site is in Yellow Creek Township, across state Route 7 from the authority’s port that can handle rail, truck and river traffic.

“The Ohio River is kind of the coal highway of the United States,” Baardson said.

The plant would have a life expectancy of 40 years, and Baardson said there's a possibility that a second such plant could be built at the site. One plant alone would provide up to 225 permanent jobs with full benefits and health care.

Baardson said the pay would be enough to “send your children to college.