WOODVILLE, Texas —
A large gathering of elected officials, headlined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, and members of area electric cooperatives celebrated with an official groundbreaking Tuesday for the Woodville Renewable Power Project.
“For more than a century Texas has been a global leader in energy and we must continue that tradition,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “The Woodville Renewable Power Project is a great example of industry and agriculture coming together to create jobs and renewable energy. East Texas Electric Cooperative’s actions reflect the innovative and creative spirit that will continue to make East Texas a dynamic economic force.”
Upon completion, expected in Fall 2014, the 49.9-megawatt plant will supply power to approximately 35,000 area homes. The Woodville Renewable Power Project will help to meet the growing power needs of ETEC’s service area and will ensure fewer power outages for cooperative members when severe weather strikes.
“I’m really happy to be a part of this momentous occasion,” said Woodville Mayor Ben Bythewood. “To have a state-of-the-art facility producing clean energy in our own backyard is great…it’s helping us economically, without harming our beautiful, natural surroundings.”
The biomass plant will be a boon to the local economy, contributing $25 million in economic benefits, as well as providing 250 construction and 25 full-time jobs.
State News
Related Photos
-
Local and state officials and community leaders celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Woodville Renewable Power Project on Tuesday morning. Courtesy photo
Discussion
Groundbreaking signifies start of Woodville Renewable Power Project
- State News
-
-
“Roll of Fame” awarded
Vidor Rotary Club President Sally Andrews, at left, receives the “Roll of Fame” award from Brenda Walker District governor, at the District 5910 conference held May 4 in Palestine, Texas.
-
Bed Sharing Safely: Not All Co-Sleeping is Created Equal
Breastfeeding Significantly Reduces SIDS Risk
-
Man pulled from Houston house fire later dies
Investigators say a man pulled from a burning house in Houston has died at a hospital.
-
Corruption trial starts for former Texas DA
Prosecutors say a former South Texas district attorney and one-time candidate for Congress used the power of his position to profit.
-
SeaWorld adds new shows for summer fun
On Saturday, June 8, three all-new shows will debut at SeaWorld San Antonio as the park begins its annual “Summer Nights” series.
-
Mother Nature is the best gift for Mom
This Mother’s Day, Texas Parks and Wildlife suggests that Texans give mom a chance to relax with a family picnic at one of more than 90 Texas state parks.
-
Texas man's mission: Honoring WWII Monuments Men
After selling his Dallas oil and gas company and moving to Europe, Robert Edsel found himself in the art-drenched Italian city of Florence. Standing on the city's famous medieval covered bridge — the Ponte Vecchio — he began to contemplate how so many famous sites and works of art in Europe survived the destruction of World War II.
-
Gov. Perry Announces Initiatives to Meet Growing Demand for Higher Education
Gov. Rick Perry outlined his initiatives for the upcoming legislative session to improve accessibility, accountability and affordability in higher education.
-
Houston region to get new area code _ 346
Houston, say hello to your new area code.
-
AT&T launches prepaid cellphone business
AT&T is launching a prepaid cellphone service — Aio Wireless.
- More State News Headlines
-
