ADAGE Economic Roundtable Reveals New Jobs in Hamilton County
Roundtable participants discuss new biomass project and local job creation
Jasper, FL — Representatives from Duke Energy, AREVA, and ADAGE joined Hamilton County residents and county representatives today to discuss job creation and local economic development through ADAGE's planned biomass project in Hamilton County. ADAGE, a joint venture between AREVA and Duke Energy, is focused on converting clean woody biomass into electricity.
"This renewable energy facility will create much-needed new jobs, inject millions of dollars into the local economy, and bring a brand-new industry to Hamilton County," said Senator Charlie Dean (R-Inverness), who participated in the discussion and serves on the Senate Energy, Environment and Land Use Policy Committee. "This is the type of energy project Florida needs. Locally, it will generate approximately $105 million in direct local economic impact during the first two and a half years of construction and operation — dollars that will go a long way toward getting the Hamilton County economy back on track."
During the roundtable, County Commission Chairman Randy Ogburn, North Florida Workforce Development Board Director Sheryl Rehberg, The Langdale Company President Wesley Langdale, and representatives from AREVA, Duke Energy, and ADAGE discussed construction, facility operation and maintenance, and fuel procurement and transportation jobs. The panelists also discussed the key findings of Dr. Julie Harrington, an independent economist and Director of Florida State University's Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis. The analysis finds that, in addition to creating direct jobs, the project will also present opportunities for workers to indirectly serve Hamilton County's newest industry.
"ADAGE's investment in our community provides opportunities for local contractors and working families — our greatest resource," noted Charles Williams, Director of the Hamilton County Development Authority. "During the initial phases of construction and operation, this includes an estimated 700 direct and indirect jobs, including a combination of permanent on-site and field jobs, shorter-term construction jobs, and over 220 indirect or induced jobs across the Hamilton County economy."
Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Madison), who serves on the House Economic Development Policy Committee and has advocated for creating new job opportunities in the Hamilton County area added, "Following the construction period, the facility will provide over $70 million in economic impact every year. "With employee income totaling over $12 million annually and $10 million dollars of revenue to our local schools over 10 years, Hamilton County families, businesses, and schools will benefit significantly from the project."
"Thanks to the team effort, support and leadership of the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners, Development Authority, County Coordinator, Sen. Dean and Rep. Bembry, we are turning this vision into reality for the people of Hamilton County," concluded Reed Wills, President of ADAGE. "We are proud to join this community and excited about our future partnership with Hamilton County and local landowners. Together, we can create renewable energy for homes and businesses while also creating local jobs — a win-win for Hamilton County and Florida's energy future."
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AREVA
As the leading U.S. nuclear vendor and a key player in the electricity transmission and distribution sector, AREVA Inc.'s 5,300 U.S. energy employees are committed to serving the nation and paving the way for the future of the electricity market. With 45 locations across the nation and nearly $2 billion in energy revenues in 2007, AREVA Inc., through its subsidiaries, combines U.S. leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. In the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st century's greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly toward future generations. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Visit us at: us.areva.com.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power companies in the United States, supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 4 million U.S. customers in its regulated jurisdictions. The company has approximately 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. In addition, Duke Energy has more than 4,000 megawatts of electric generation in Latin America, and is a joint-venture partner in a U.S. real estate company.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.