By AP/KWMU
Lively Grove, Ill – Peabody Coal Company says plans for a $2 billion generation plant and coal mine in Washington County, Illinois have been delayed because of the economy.
The company wants to build a 1,500 megawatt plant on top of a coal mine in Lively Grove, Ill., 50 miles south of St. Louis.
But Thursday, Peabody spokesman Vic Svec said the recent recession has pushed back plans to open the plant beyond its target of 2007.
He wouldn't say how long the project will be delayed.
Svec says Peabody is in advanced talks with several companies interested in becoming a partner. And Wednesday the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued Peabody a draft air permit.
The plant is expected to pump more than $90 million a year into the local economy.
It will open three to four years after construction starts.