Power plant would bring $5 million annually

Virginia (Map, News) - The commodity high in demand that is helping drive the push for a $500 million power plant in Prince William County is tax money.

If LS Power builds a 500-to-900 megawatt natural gas plant proposed to open in 2012, its annual tax payments would address some the county's growing bills and help balance the suburban government's reliance on unstable residential property values.

"This is a $500 million investment in the county which translates into approximately $5 million in property taxes annually and it adds to the commercial tax base," County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart said. "It's something we need."

Supervisors unanimously approved selling the company a $195,000 option to exclusive sales rights to an approximately 27-acre site at 13000 Balls Ford Road in Manassas, about a half-mile from Interstate 66 and the Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Some residents have questioned the decision, saying the county already has a large power plant at Possum Point in Dumfries and does not need another.

"How much power do we need?" asked Elena Schlossberg-Kunkel of Haymarket, who has been active in opposing a separate 500-megawatt power transmission line. "We need to be asking what else can we do to generate money in this county without having to put a power plant in?"

Supervisors say they have not committed to the plan and merely allowed the company to begin a lengthy permitting process.

Selling county land that is occupied raises questions, said Supervisor Martin Nohe, R-Coles. "It's currently being used as a yard waste recycling facility. It's a very important part of our refuse flow process and we can't afford to lose that."

"I think we all voted unanimously to give them the option and prove the case," said Supervisor Wally Covington, R-Brentsville. "It would result in nearly $5 million in new tax money and take truck traffic off the roads."

But Stewart said the natural gas power plant will be an environmentally friendlier way to serve growing power demand.

"When people think of power plants, they think of big, dirty plants. This is a natural gas power plant. It's not going to produce a significant amount of pollution," Stewart said.

dgenz@dcexaminer.com

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