Bay City Tribune

For nearly three decades, the South Texas Project has been a part of the local community.

We have forged strong bonds with our friends and neighbors in Matagorda County.

These relationships and steadfast support - through thick and thin - have helped make STP one of the most successful nuclear power facilities in the world.

We now stand at another crossroads in the development of Units 3 and 4.

CPS Energy and NINA - our partners in Units 3 and 4 began legal proceedings last week in the District Court of Bexar County.

Our desire has been that they work to find mutually agreeable solutions outside of litigation that preserve the stability and momentum of the project.

While we remain neutral in the ongoing litigation, these events are troubling and could impact the vision of having four units - enough clean energy to power nearly four million Texas homes - at STP.

With a project of this scope and size, spanning 7-9 years in length and involving significant investment, there are several milestones that must be met in order to move the process forward.

The expedited resolution of the current litigation is one example.

Our project has been regarded as a frontrunner, one of only four thus far to make the short list for the Department of Energys federal loan guarantees - a critical element in the expansion.

The DOE is expected to make an announcement soon regarding the projects selected for the initial $18.5 billion in loan guarantees.

The ongoing litigation hinders our prospects.

We believe our site remains one of the best locations in the nation for expansion.

When our facility was constructed, it was designed for four units and has the land, water, and transmission infrastructure to support Units 3 and 4.

The other asset which makes this project a frontrunner has been strong community support.

Since filing the nation's first new plant license application - in more than three decades - with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in September 2007, we have enjoyed overwhelming support throughout Matagorda County.

We thank you and our local leadership for that support and believe these units would add enormous value to the economy of our local communities and to our states long-term energy future.

Both of our partners continue to express strong support for Units 3 and 4.

We appreciate the commitment they've demonstrated in bringing the project to this point.

Our nation continues to suffer from unemployment.

The construction of Units 3 and 4 would lead to 800 well paying jobs along with 4,000 contractor positions during the peak of construction.

Last week, President Obama endorsed new nuclear plants as part of our nation's clean energy future.

The time is right for construction and our county is ready to support it.

Our project team remains focused on licensing and constructing Units 3 and 4.

Under the current schedule, we would anticipate receiving our Combined Operating License in 2012 with commercial operation for the two units beginning in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Our 1,200 employees are focused daily on the safe and reliable operations of our existing units.

We recognize we have been given a "special trust" and will always put nuclear safety first in everything we do.

The performance and track record of Units 1 and 2 continues to demonstrate our collective dedication to excellence.

Our commitment is to keep you informed as the project evolves.

Thank you for the pride, ownership and support you provide STP, our people and what we stand for.