MOUNDSVILLE, W.VA. ─ Concerned citizens and stakeholders in the coal economy of Marshall County and the state will hold a town hall meeting from 6-8pm this Tuesday – May 25 – at the Moundsville Volunteer Fire Department, located at 1228 1st Street, to discuss the future, and highlight the importance, of the Mitchell Power Plant.
Media are encouraged to attend.
Hosted by Marshall County House of Delegates member Charlie Reynolds, the event will discuss American Electric Power’s effort to close the plant twelve years prematurely. The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) is reviewing the case and will issue a determination on the fate of the plant in June. A public comment period is open through June 2 to hear citizen concerns. To file a comment, click here.
“To preserve the hundreds of jobs at the Mitchell Power Plant, the mining employment the plant supports and the economic foundation of Marshall County, we are calling on Marshall Countians to learn more about this critical issue and join us at the town hall meeting Tuesday night,” said Delegate Reynolds. “We also encourage all West Virginians to file a comment with the West Virginia Public Service Commission in support of keeping the Mitchell plant operating through its full life cycle.”
A recent study conducted by West Virginia University found that in 2019 the Mitchell coal-fired power plant had a direct economic impact of $275 million to Marshall County, directly employed 185 workers and paid an estimated $35.6 million in employee compensation. The plant was also responsible for nearly $9 million in state and local tax revenue.
Additionally, the mining and coal-fired power generation industries created $418 million in direct and indirect economic activity for Marshall County and the state.
Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “For the benefit of the Northern Panhandle economy and the reliability of our power grid It is critically important that the Mitchell Plant remain operational through its full and useful life.”
For more information, contact Chris Hamilton at the West Virginia Coal Association, (304) 342-4153