December 12, 2022
Oglethorpe Power and Monroe County Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Monroe County Fire Station
Forsyth, GA (Dec. 12, 2022) – Today Oglethorpe Power and Monroe County hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction for a new Monroe County fire station. The new facility will be constructed on land located off Rumble Road, which was donated by Oglethorpe Power to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners in October.
“Today’s groundbreaking event signifies the positive impact that can happen when engaged corporate citizens invest in the betterment of our communities. I commend the Monroe County Board of Commissioners and Oglethorpe Power for their partnership to fulfill this community need,” said State Rep. Dale Washburn.
Monroe County Commissioner John Ambrose said the new facility will help expand fire prevention and protection coverage for residents of Monroe County. “With close proximity to Interstate 75, this land donated by Oglethorpe Power provides an ideal location for the Monroe County Fire Department to quickly and efficiently respond to fire-related emergencies. I am thrilled for this new facility to begin serving our community in 2023.”
“Our new fire station will be equipped with a fire engine and ladder truck, with personnel onsite 24 hours a day,” said Monroe County Fire Chief Matthew Jackson. “In a critical emergency, seconds matter – and this location right off I-75 will help with rapid response times.”
The new fire station will be constructed on land that is adjacent to Smarr Energy Facility, a natural gas-fired power plant operated by Oglethorpe Power.
“It’s an honor to stand here today knowing what a positive impact this new fire station will have on this community,” said Oglethorpe Power President and Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Smith. “We’re proud corporate citizens of Monroe County and we’re pleased to partner with county leaders to help bring a new fire station to the local residents.”
Oglethorpe Power serves 38 consumer-owned not-for-profit distribution cooperatives across Georgia, including Central Georgia EMC, Southern Rivers Energy and Flint Energies, which provide electric service in Monroe County and other area counties. In addition to operating the Smarr Energy Facility, Oglethorpe Power is a co-owner of Plant Scherer Units 1 and 2, also located in Monroe County.
About Oglethorpe Power
Oglethorpe Power is one of the nation’s largest power supply cooperatives with more than $16 billion in assets serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations which, collectively, provide electricity to approximately 4.4 million Georgia residents. A proponent of conscientious energy development and use, Oglethorpe Power balances reliable and affordable energy with environmental responsibility and has an outstanding record of regulatory compliance. Its diverse energy portfolio includes natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and coal generating plants with a combined capacity of more than 8,300 megawatts. Oglethorpe Power was established in 1974 and is owned by its 38 Member Systems. Its headquarters are in Tucker, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb. For more information, visit www.opc.com.
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Contact: Blair Romero
Phone Number: 770-270-7290
Email: blair.romero@opc.com