Developer outlines 930-MW peaking plant proposal, promises road and water upgrades

A developer representative summarized plans for a proposed Sycamore Rubicide peaking power project on roughly 64 acres of a 356-acre site near 800 and 925 north.

The presenter described the project as a peaking plant with four combustion turbines, dual-fuel capability (gas and oil) and "a net generating capacity of approximately 930 megawatts" and said DT Midstream would build a roughly 5.5-mile gas lateral to serve the site. The project team said it would pay for water-system upgrades, including replacing a standpipe with a water tower and adding a booster pump station for the Sullivan VGO rural water system. The presenter said construction could begin in September, subject to final agreements.

Commissioners asked about road use and repair obligations. The developer proposed pre-construction road improvements and end-of-project restoration (a two-inch top coat on key county roads). Commissioners also raised questions about 'local labor' language and whether the county's agreement would require use of local contractors vs. specifying union or nonunion labor. The developer said the agreement included "best efforts to use local" and that primary contractors identified include local civil and regional mechanical firms, but that workforce availability remained a challenge.