File photo WATER POWER – Current Hydro has proposed a project which would install a power-generating facility at the New Cumberland Locks and Dam, with Hancock County commissioners giving their blessing to a series of documents related to the project Thursday.

NEW CUMBERLAND – The possibility of a hydroelectric power facility being constructed in Hancock County surged forward after county commissioners approved a series of documents related to the project Thursday.

Among the paperwork going before commissioners were terms dictating the split of tax funding from the project between Hancock County and the Hancock County Board of Education, a lease agreement, project payment agreement, and a formal resolution on the project.

While commissioners approved the documents Thursday, their legal counsel, Mike Lucas, noted it may not be the last time the matter comes before them, noting New Cumberland officials also have a part to play.

“There may be some additional matters with the City of New Cumberland,” Lucas said.

Officials with Current Hydro approached the county in March 2024 to discuss the long-planned project set to develop a hydroelectric power facility at the New Cumberland Locks and Dam.

Early plant designs indicated it would have the capacity to generate approximately 20 Megawatts of power, with an annual output of approximately 150 Gigawatts, which the company states will be enough to power more than 14,500 homes without storing water or altering river operations.

Proposals have estimated approximately 200 construction jobs would be involved in establishing the hydroelectric station, with plans to have construction begin in early in 2026 and remain in operation for more than 50 years.

It would include development of a dedicated fishing area.

Under the terms of the Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreement for the project, the facility would be constructed on approximately 32 acres at the dam, with the county owning the real and personal property and leasing it to the company.

Terms, as discussed by the Hancock County Board of Education, noted an initial lease amount of $3,500 per month, along with a Community Development Fund of $150,000 per year with $100,000 going to the county and $50,000 to the school board.

Current Hydro also lists hydroelectric projects at the Pike Island Locks and Dam north of Wheeling, and the Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam near Apple Grove, W.Va. as being in development.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)