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RAVENSWOOD -- The Ravenswood area will see a $60 million improvement project from Appalachian Power in January.
According to a press release from the Jackson County Development Authority, the project involves the rebuilding of around 30 miles of transmission line and upgrading facilities.
Mayor Josh Miller said the project will involve a phase three power system.
"Whatever the investment is, it's going to allow for larger industry here," Miller said.
The release said the project will replace the current 70-year-old structures that will decrease the number of customer outages and decrease restoration times if the power does go out.
"This is a very important project for residents and businesses in Jackson County especially at the Maritime and Industrial Park and Constellium plant," Mark Whitley, director of the development authority, said.
Phil Moye, Appalachian spokesperson, said the project will provide customers with reliable service at an affordable price.
"The work AEP's doing in Jackson County will reinforce their transmission system while preparing the power grid to help support the growth that Jackson County is experiencing and for future growth that's projected," Whitley said.
Miller feels this is an important step toward the growth of the county.
"If you're going to grow, you're going to have to have the proper power grid to sustain the growth. This will allow us to grow in a way that we would like to," Miller said. "They wouldn't be making those investments if they didn't think this was a prime (area) for growth."
Miller said Ravenswood and the county overall are continuing to grow.
"We're all happy that AEP is making this investment. We're excited for the future of this area; we keep getting good news," Miller said.