Today's Hope Star on the new Swepco plant

The article discusses the recently announced decision to award the combustion technology contract to Ohio-based Babcox and Wilcox Company. Specifically, the contract will involve Babcock and Wilcox's design, supply and construction of the 600 megawatt net coal-fired boiler and enviromental control equipment for Unit 1 at the new plant. Ken McLemore has the story.

• Estimated completion date is summer 2011.
•The cost of the plant is approximately $1.3 billion. SWEPCO’s investment will be 75%, or about $1 billion.
• Plant construction will create approximately 1,400 temporary jobs.
• The plant will bring an estimated 110 permanent jobs to the area.
• Annual payroll is projected to be $12 million.
• The plant will be located 15 miles northeast of Texarkana in Fulton.

Here's more from the Swepco site.