North Mason Chamber of Commerce :: Shelton Chamber Endorses ADAGE Biopower Plant

Due to its positive economic impact on the community, the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce announces its support of the proposed ADAGE biopower facility to be constructed in the Shelton vicinity. This facility will use state of the art technology to process forest derived biomass, a previously unused byproduct of tree harvest, to generate green energy.

Construction of the $250 million facility will result in 793 direct, indirect and additive jobs in the community generating $42 million in total wages and salaries. Operation of the facility will create approximately 200 jobs in 23 different industry sectors. Construction of the facility will contribute over $4.7 million in state and local tax revenue, and $2 million annually thereafter. The facility will support working forests, long a staple of the local economy.

Infrastructure enhancements will attract additional projects to the John's Prairie industrial area which will further expand the local economy. The Chamber is confident that at the conclusion of the extensive state and local permitting process, ADAGE will move forward to construct a safe, clean biopower facility that will provide positive impacts in our community.

As a business organization, the Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce has a responsibility to maintain and improve the business environment in the Shelton Mason County community. Our mission is tied to supporting existing business as well as business development. We are committed to understanding the facts about proposed projects that would expand our economic base as well as their impacts on existing business and the broader community.

Our Government Affairs Committee studied biomass energy production, researched the ADAGE project and the broader policy questions. We listened carefully to pro- and anti- arguments regarding the project. The Committee analyzed the State Environmental Protection Act checklist (SEPA) submitted to the County to assess the project's environmental, economic and infrastructure impacts. After extensive study the Government Affairs Committee made a recommendation of support to the Board of Trustees. At their July 22nd meeting, the Board voted to endorse the 60 megawatt biomass power generating plant proposed by ADAGE, LLC.

The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce is a business organization and, as such, has a responsibility to maintain and improve the business environment in the Shelton-Mason County community.

After extensive study of the project the Government Affairs Committee made a recommendation of support to the Board of Trustees. The Board acknowledges few issues will generate full consensus from a diverse population of individuals and some members may not agree with the adopted position. The Board respects each member's position on the issue.

If you have any questions about the project or the decision, please contact Terri Jeffreys, Executive Director - Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce at 360.426.2021.
www.sheltonchamber.org