Sunday, April 22, 2001
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Sunday, April 22, 2001 |
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Power plant in Fayette's backyard? Energy facility planned for south Fulton site
By JOHN THOMPSON
One of the nation's largest companies is proposing to build a massive power plant in South Fulton County. Williams Corp. announced yesterday its intention of building a 1,230-megawatt energy supply facility on Peters Road near Fairburn. Before starting construction, the firm faces a one-year permitting process, including a rezoning petition that will go before the Fulton County Commission. No opposition has yet surfaced, but residents of the area are studying the company's plans to determine whether they will favor or oppose them. The 288-acre site borders Fayette County, and company officials are pledging to use only 30 acres on the site for the facility. "The other 250 acres would be preserved as green space," said project director Dan Skizim. The project, called the Fulton Energy Center, is projected to be up and running in 2004. During the construction phase Skizim said between 400 and 700 jobs would be generated. When the plant is operational, 40 to 50 workers will staff the facility. He said the plant would generate up to $1 million in tax revenue to Fulton County and have a minimal impact on county services, such as roads and schools. The facility will be powered by natural gas and the site was chosen because of its proximity to the Transco pipeline, which Williams owns. The company has been in business since 1908 and is based in Tulsa, Ok. The company recently spun off its telecom industry to a separate company. Williams has provided energy in Georgia for more than 50 years, including the pipeline, compressor and petroleum stations. The company employs 500 people in the state. For information on the project, go to www.FultonEnergyCenter.com.
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