TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — The CR Huntley Station could once again provide jobs and tax revenue for the Town of Tonawanda.

When the coal-operated power plant closed last year, dozens of people lost their jobs and the town lost $6 million in yearly tax revenue.

Town Supervisor Joseph Emminger said an expression of interest (EOI) has been issued to developers in an effort to develop the property.

"The EOI will solicit interest from regional and national entities interested in creating a large-scale renewable energy program here. It could be solar or some other energy source," he said. 

When the former coal-generating station closed it took approximately $6 million in yearly tax revenue off the town's books. The plant currently pays just $600,000 in taxes.

The goal of the EOI is to find developers interested in converting the facility to clean energy, bringing the town financial relief and returning jobs to the area.

"The right energy project could be a win-win-win for the town, the state's energy grid and local taxpayers," said Legislator Robin Schimminger. 

The town says NRG, the previous owner of the Huntley plant, is already cleaning up the site, and the company is talking about the facility to potential suitors. ​