COLUMBUS — Reaction to American Municipal Power’s decision to abandon its coal-fired power plant proposed for Letart Falls trickled down from Columbus throughout the day Wednesday.

Gov. Ted Strickland, a supporter of the project, released the following statement through spokesperson Allison Kolodziaj, “Creating jobs and producing homegrown energy was a hallmark of this project. While we’re very disappointed to learn of this news, we respect the decision of the member communities to look at other options for the site in Meigs County. The Strickland administration continues to work with AMP through these next steps.”

State Sen. Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany) has been a supporter of the project since it came to Meigs County four years ago when he was a state representative.

“It’s certainly devastating,” Stewart said of the news. “There was so much hope for this project in terms of economic development and AMP’s been a good neighbor by becoming involved in the community in a positive way. I’m still hopeful that we’ll be able to salvage some type of project at their Letart Falls site. I’m hopeful considering they already have a considerable investment in the county.”

Stewart then talked about the implications of the abandoned project at the federal level.

“I hope this is a wake up call at the federal level for future projects to streamline this process,” Stewart added. “We have a permitting process that took over four years to get through and in that four years time, obviously construction costs have changed considerably. It’s disheartening to think when virtually every elected official supports a project like this, we just can’t seem to make it happen.”

Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Athens) said of the news, “Despite the unexpected change of plans, I am encouraged by AMP’s commitment to Meigs County and Southeast Ohio. Throughout the year, I have been working closely with the company and local community to promote the development of this clean-coal plant that promised to create jobs right here at home. I hope we can move forward quickly on the new development.”

Phillps went on to say, “When I spoke with officials from AMP today, I reminded them that Meigs County has a qualified and eager work force. I re-stated my commitment to work with them to find a way forward. Most importantly right now, we will not lose sight of our crucial goal to position this region as a leader in advanced and renewable energy. Our abundant natural resources, the solid work ethic of people in the region, together with the technology of tomorrow are so important to Ohio’s continuing growth. We must keep seeking ways to ensure that Southeastern Ohio is a part of the ongoing development of 21st-century industries. I hope that AMP will continue to be a partner in that.”

Stewart ecohed Phillips’ sentiments that he too was committed to working with AMP on any future projects it might have at the Letart Falls site.

The AMP plant was estimated to cost $3 billion before the latest cost estimate came out this month, which showed a project increase of 37 percent, a major reason for why the coal-fired plant was dropped. No other current economic development in the state of Ohio came close to it in terms of the amount of dollar investment, Stewart noted, pointing out, for comparison, the $150 million price tag on the Nelsonville bypass.