LETART FALLS — Yesterday the United States Army Corps of Engineers approved a 404 permit for the American Municipal Power-Ohio Generating Station proposed for Letart Falls — the last major permit for the 1,000 megawatt coal-fired power plant.

AMPGS’ air and national pollutant discharge elimination system permits remain under appeal by various opponents.

“The AMPGS project continues to move forward,” AMP-Ohio Sr. Vice President of Member Services and External Affairs Jolene Thompson said. “This advanced coal generation project has received strong support from local and state officials and has been recognized by the State of Ohio for its state-of-the-art emissions control technology. While hurdles remain, the issuance of this final critical path permit is another important step forward.”

Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredged, excavated, or fill material in wetlands, streams, rivers, and other U.S. waters. The US Army Corps of Engineers is the federal agency authorized to issue Section 404 Permits for certain activities conducted in wetlands or other US waters. American Municipal Power-Ohio applied for the permit in May 2007. The permit could not move forward until a 401 water quality certification was issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which was received in final form in January of this year.

Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Athens) was the first to contact The Daily Sentinel about the issuance of the 404 permit, stating: “Southeastern Ohio is poised to lead the way in advanced and clean energy technology — a growing industry in Ohio that will be key to our economic turnaround. With this final permit approval, AMP Ohio is ready to begin construction of the new power plant, bringing much-needed jobs to the region, and moving forward in the transition to a clean energy future. This effort is a big step forward for economic development in Meigs County and Southeastern Ohio.”

Ohio Sen. Jimmy Stewart (R-Meigs) added: “I’ve always supported this project and it’s a great day for Meigs County and our entire region. I’ll continue to help in any way I can and look forward to the day that we break ground.”

According to AMP-Ohio, the AMPGS project is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of this year or first quarter 2010, beginning commercial operation in 2014.

The AMPGS is said to be a $3.25 billion investment, nearly the same amount of the budget shortfall currently facing the state of Ohio.