By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
Juab School District is now on-board the proposal to
ask the state legislature and Gov. Mike Leavitt for special
consideration for Panda Nebo Power's 1000 megawatt gas-fired
generation facility in Juab County.
Delanie Hathaway, board member, made the motion to
send a letter to the legislators and Leavitt voicing the
Juab School District Board of Education's support for the
proposed construction of the power plant.
"I think we need to go on record as supporting Panda,"
she said.
Dale Fowkes, who lives in Mona, said he agreed and
would second the motion.
Each board member voted in favor of the letter
campaign.
Mona, Nephi, and Juab County government officials have
sent letters to Gov. Leavitt and to each of the legislators
urging support for the proposal to allow a manufacturer's
exemption.
Other states give this kind of incentive so businesses
can pursue opportunities that give it the best return for
its equity at risk.
Panda is planning a $600 million combined cycle gas
generation facility, which is expected to have a taxable
value of between $300 and $350 million. Since most of the
jobs will be filled by local workers, there should be no
additional burden the school system and the additional tax
dollars will go further because new educational facilities
will not be required as a direct result of the facility.
The payroll during construction and after would be a
benefit to the local worker. Payroll during operation is
expected to be $2.5 million pre year for up to 50 workers
and the estimated expenditures in the local economy during
operation would be $3 to $5 million.
The payroll during construction is expected to be $35
million per year and would employ up to 500 workers.
Expenditures in the local economy during operation are
expected to be $10 to $15 million per year.
"Not to understate the issue, but this would be of big
benefit to the local economy," said Hathaway.
|
