An economic study touting the virtues of a proposed power plant in Oxford will be released Tuesday morning in Shelton, according to a press release distributed by the Oxford First Selectman’s Office.
The press conference comes just before a series of hearings on the proposal scheduled for Thursday at Oxford High School.
The study focuses on the “CPV Towantic Energy Center,” a power plant proposed by Competitive Power Ventures within the Woodruff Hill Industrial Park in Oxford, near Waterbury-Oxford Airport.
The power plant will use natural gas to produce electricity for more than 750,000 homes in the state, according to the company. Proponents, including the Oxford First Selectman’s Office, say the plant will provide jobs and much-needed tax revenue.
Click here for a list of community benefits, described by the company.
The proposal has been meet with opposition from residents in Oxford, Naugatuck and Middlebury. Some formed a group called “Help Us Stop the Oxford Power Plant.”Click here to read a ton of documents on the proposal.
The residents worry about the plant’s environmental impact, including what it will do to the nature preserves near the plant.
Click here for a story from the Citizen News.
Among the opposition — the century-old Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury.
George Frantzis, a Quassy owner, wrote a letter to the state’s Siting Council, which has jurisdiction over the proposal, saying the power plant “will pose a threat to the pristine and protected natural surroundings and property of the Quassy Amusement Park… “
“The particulate discharge, odor, heavy industrial views and proximity to the power plant and effluent plumes will adversely affect my business and threaten the health and safety of my patrons many of whom are families with very young children,” Frantzis wrote.
New Study
The study to be unveiled Tuesday was conducted by the University of Connecticut’s Center for Economic Analysis, according to the release. The document is a “comprehensive study calculating the economic impact, job creation and new state revenue generated” by the “major energy infrastructure project.”
The press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Atrium, 10 Progress Drive, Shelton.
Then, the power plant will be the subject of public scrutiny Thursday, Jan. 15 in Oxford.
The Connecticut Siting Council will begin a hearing at 3 p.m. That’s after a site tour of the location at 1:30 p.m.
First Competitive Power Ventures, other parties and groups listed as “intervenors” will have an “opportunity to cross-examine positions.”
Then, at 6:30 p.m., the public can offer their opinions on the proposal. Speakers can sign up for the 6:30 p.m. session at 6 p.m.
The hearings are scheduled to take place at the Oxford High School auditorium, 61 Quaker Farms Road.
See the notice below.
