Wednesday, May 9, 2001
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Wednesday, May 9, 2001 |
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Power plant proposed on Fayette border By DAVE
HAMRICK And JOHN
THOMPSON
Fayette County officials thus far haven't had any contact from a company proposing to build a massive energy supply facility on the county's northern border. "I suspect it will be a development of regional impact and at some point [Fayette County officials] will be asked for comment," said Kathy Zeitler, director of zoning. State law requires that surrounding cities and counties be asked for comment when a development is deemed to have impact beyond local borders. Williams Corp., one of the largest companies in the nation, is proposing to build the 1,230-megawatt facility on Peters Road, just over the county line between Ga. highways 92 and 138. Before starting construction, the firm faces a one-year permitting process, including a rezoning petition that will go before the Fulton County Commission. That petition has not yet been filed. Residents of the area are studying the company's plans to determine whether they will favor or oppose them. Residents closest to the site have faced intense pressure to sell their homes to the company, according to one resident, who speculated that the additional land is needed to widen Peters Road so that giant construction equipment can get to the site. Company officials are pledging to use only 30 acres of the 288-acre 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, Okla. 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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