N.Y. firm looking at power plant on (Mississippi) river

[jpak]

http://www.register-mail.com/stories/110107/LOC_BEQ4H70K.GID.shtml

GLADSTONE - If the permits are granted and a feasibility study works out Henderson County could receive a major economical boost in the form of a hydroelectric plant.

Jeff Auser, vice president of general development for BPUS Generation Development, Liverpool, N.Y., said the energy company has applied for a permit with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to look at constructing the hydro-power plant on the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 18.

The permit filed with FERC seeks permission to build a 23.5 megawatt plant with five turbines. If the facility is constructed it would generate enough power for more than 7,000 homes, according to Auser.

However, the process is in its infancy stage. Even if BPUS does not run into any obstacles, it will be about three years before construction of the plant begins.

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