BAINBRIDGE – The Town of Bainbridge may once again be home to a power generating facility – a revived project that would give a huge boost to local employment and create an attractive energy resource for future economic prospects, local officials say.

“The community is very excited about the possibility of this site being selected,” said Town Supervisor Rick Chase. “I hope things go our way.”

In response to a request made by the New York Power Authority Sept. 1, the AES Corporation said it developed and submitted a bid as of Oct. 31 outlining the construction of a clean coal generation facility that could produce up to 500 megawatts of electricity. That electricity would then be purchased by the power authority under a contract that could extend up to 20 years. The call comes as part of outgoing Governor George Pataki’s “Advanced Clean Coal Power Plant Initiative,” AES states in a press release.

“AES’s proposed facilities will help New York meet its growing demands for electricity while also helping the state achieve its environmental and economic development goals,” said Pete Norgeot, President of AES Eastern Energy.

A company representative said the plant would initially create up to 1,500 construction jobs for up to a 3 to 4 year period, and eventually demand up to 150 full-time employees to run it. Once operating, officials say the facility could possibly add between $20 to $25 million in gross annual income for the area.