City of Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio

New Jobs and Tax Revenues; Revitalizing a Local Economy

"I wish every company that came to town did what they said they were going to do as CME and their development partner Calpine have done in Fremont. They listened to all of us, learned what the particular needs and challenges of Fremont and Sandusky County were, and did everything they possible could to meet both the demands of their project responsibility. The result is a $300 million project well on its way to completion."
--Fremont Mayor, Terry Overmyer

"The best site location was discovered by Mr. Martin paving the way for all the next critical steps to fall into place. The property was located in neighboring Sandusky Township and had to be annexed into the City of Fremont in order to have access to the necessary water and sewer services. Annexation of property from a Township into a City can be very challenging. The spirit of this project created by Mr. Martin and Calpine brought Sandusky Township and City of Fremont officials together to create a tax revenue sharing agreement. The cooperation between the elected officials from these political subdivisions was necessary for the project to move forward. Mr. Martin and Calpine executives were providing technical advice during every step of the development of this electric generation facility."
--Michael Jay, Director, Economic Development Director, Fremont Ohio

CME wishes to thank Calpine for their part in our excellent working relationship.

This project is now managed by AMP Ohio.

Opportunity:

Fremont provides easy access to two electrical substations, gas transmission lines, and an abundant water supply. The city also offers a quality of life that will attract highly-skilled workers. In addition, the community supports and encourages the development of industry.

Challenge:

With the partial shutdown of the Heinz Ketchup factory, the city of Fremont is facing a loss of jobs, a reduction of water usage revenues, and a shrinking tax base. Government and business leaders are looking for ways to revitalize the area.

CME Solution:

Due to the combination of adequate water resources, existing energy infrastructure, and community interest, Fremont has proved to be an excellent location for a 750 MW power plant that will help revitalize the local economy.

* CME assisted its joint development partner, Calpine Corporation, in winning support from the city and the county through several public meetings in the early stages of the project. CME identified and secured primary and alternative sites that would enable the project to connect to both First Energy's West Fremont 138 kV substation and AEP's Fremont 138kV substation, in order to facilitate access to two power markets.
* CME assisted in solving electrical interconnect challenges.
* CME, along with Fremont's Office of Economic Development, developed an innovative revenue sharing plan that resulted in an increased budget for the local school system.
* During the development process, all parties - CME, Calpine, city and county groups, state entities such as the Ohio Siting Board, plus First Energy and AEP - demonstrated how the private and public sector can work together effectively for the betterment of a community, county, and region.

PHOTO GALLERY : click for larger images in a new window

Economic Benefits:

The project had a very positive economic impact on the local community, county, state, and region.

* It created an estimated 300+ jobs over a three-year construction period.
* Over the life of the project, the project will employ an average of 25 people a year plus a multiplier effect of over 200 people in the county.
* $820,000 annual contribution to the community in lieu of paying taxes during the ten-year exemption period.
* From the annual contribution, the City of Fremont shares $120,000 equally with Sandusky Township. Vanguard Vocational Center receives $24,000 and the Fremont City Schools receive $676,000.
* $10 million upgrades to the City’s Water Treatment Plant and distribution lines.

Environmental Impact
Plant uses proven gas turbine technology that is:

Quiet
- All major moving equipment soundproofed to maintain quiet surroundings
- Record exists as "good neighbors" throughout U.S.

Clean
- Natural gas is cleanest combustion fuel Gas turbines equipped with Low-NOx combustors
- Catalytic equipment used for further NOx reduction
- No visible emissions from flues
- Air emissions below federal guidelines for health and safety

VIEW MORE REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS