The state's Environmental Protection Division has re-issued the air permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant in Georgia after the plant addressed issues identified earlier by a judge.

Backers hope to begin construction on Plant Washington in Sandersville, about 60 miles east of Macon, in 2012 or 2013. The plant is expected to take four years to build and construction could generate over 1,600 jobs and $250 million in wages and benefits. Once complete, the plant could create at least 120 new full-time jobs and up to 300 secondary jobs in supporting businesses and industries.

Plant developer Dean Alford says the group is committed to ensuring that Plant Washington has the best permits in the country and to building on the cleanest facilities of its kind in the world.

Tags: energy, coal, power plant