Construction begins on natural gas-fueled power plant in Pennsylvania

A forthcoming natural gas-fueled power plant in Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough energy to fuel one million homes and add $5.85 billion to the local economy within its first decade of operation.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett joined Panda Power Funds officials in a groundbreaking ceremony in Lycoming County, Pa. on Tuesday for the 829-megawatt power plant.

“This is another project that shows how our ‘all of the above and below’ energy strategy is putting Pennsylvania at the forefront of the American energy revolution,” Corbett said. “By responsibly harvesting our abundant energy resources, we are creating family-sustaining jobs and are reinvigorating local communities all over Pennsylvania.”

The project is expected to generate 500 temporary construction jobs and 27 full-time jobs. Panda Power Funds President Todd Carter attributed the new jobs to the efforts of Corbett and other state officials to advance the project.

“(Corbett and other elected officials) made a previous commitment to carefully develop Pennsylvania’s vast supply of natural gas,” Carter said. “They saw then what is happening now – the rebirth of Pennsylvania’s industrial base and a renewed hope for America’s energy independence.”

Earlier this year, Corbett issued “Energy = Jobs,” a resource book that outlines his vision and commitment to position Pennsylvania as a leader in both natural resources and energy production.