LETART FALLS — Even if American Municipal Power decides to proceed with a natural gas-fired power plant for its Letart Falls site in Meigs County, there is no natural gas pipeline in the area.

Kent Carson, senior communications director for AMP said no decision has been made concerning placement of a natural gas-fired power plant on the site.

“Our silence isn’t because we don’t want to keep people informed,” Carson said. “We’re now considering all the options out there but we’re not at a place where we can make a decision or announcement.”

Carson went on to say about the Letart Falls site, “There is a need for appropriate incentives and infrastructure but wherever we end up going, as we indicated at the time (the coal-fired power plant was dropped) we are starting from scratch.”

Though the Letart Falls site was determined by AMP to be a good site for coal-fired plant, it remains to be seen whether or not it is good site for a gas-fired plant. Without a gas line in place, common sense says it is not.

Carson pointed out whether or not AMP developed the Letart Falls site in the future, at this time there is an infrastructure need for a gas line in the area now.

Hillary Wicai Viers, spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-Ohio, said Wilson is in talks with AMP and the appropriate federal agencies to see what can be done in this situation.

“Out biggest hurdle now is our current financial environment but I can confirm the congressman is involved in talks,” Viers said.

Katie Sabatino, spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Development, said ODD has reached out to AMP as well and had some communication but nothing has been finalized at this point.

“We are aware of their difficulties as far as the transmission line and are reaching out to see if we can assist them,” Sabatino said.

State Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Athens, said she is also involved in the discussions with AMP.

“Of course I’m doing everything I can as are other local office holders to make sure the Meigs County site is a viable location for AMP,” said Phillips. “AMP has clearly made an investment in the site already and we’re doing everything we can to address any challenges with that site.”