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Leaders of Kansas building trades unions have expressed their support for the expanion of the Holcomb power plant. Gery Kemp ( (Kansas City) and Richard Tayler (Wichita) recently had letters published in
the Wichita Eagle and other newspapers across the state. Here is the text of their letter.
Plant would boost economy
Since the original proposed expansion of the Holcomb power plant more than seven years ago, the building trades have actively
supported this project. The amount of work this facility would bring to each of our memberships is unprecedented, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for jobs and training.
During construction, more than 2,000 craftsmen would be needed, with several hundred permanent, high-paying jobs for local
workers after the plant completion.
Besides this, the new units and bioenergy center would bring millions of dollars of investment to the local economy, and many
millions in spin-off benefits to the Wichita and Kansas City areas in the form of high-wage jobs and training for skilled labor, as well as for the engineers who design these projects. These jobs
represent the very "green economy" everyone wants for our state's future.
Several of the building trades have committed to opening training centers in the area for their apprentice and journeyman
programs, and a partnership for this purpose with Garden City Community College likely will result. These facilities would train the manpower needed to complete the multiyear expansion and would remain
in operation and continue to train the western Kansas work force for years to come.
We know that plants such as those planned for Holcomb are controversial, and that's why we applaud the leadership of
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. for adding wind generation, and for its commitment to use the most advanced emissions-control technology. Further, the company is implementing pioneering carbon-dioxide
conversion technology to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
The 30,000 members of the unions and councils we represent encourage Kansans to support the Holcomb station expansion and this
much-needed shot in the arm for the Kansas economy.
RICHARD L. TAYLOR
Business manage
Central and Western Kansas Building and Construction Trades Council
GARY KEMP
Business ManagerGreater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council
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