Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — Five city council members are travelling to Washington, D.C., this week to gain support for local projects and get advice on tackling local issues.

Members of the Finance Advisory Committee, including Councilmen Chris Flaig, Jim Noonan and Ed Shelton, plan to visit U.S. Congressmen Tuesday to ask for their support in Hamilton's bid for a license to build and operate a hydroelectric generator on the Ohio River.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepted the city's application for the license Dec. 13, clearing a significant hurdle in bringing the generator to the Capt. Anthony Meldahl Lock and Dam near Augusta, Ky.

Once built, the generator would be the largest on the river and create more than 100 megawatts of power, 75 percent more than the city's hydroelectric generator near Greenup, Ky., said Electric Director Mike Perry.

In addition to creating clean energy, the project makes economic sense as well, he said.

"The river is affected by rain and drought, but it is not affected by the swings in pricing like the gas and coal markets," Perry said. "It helps stabilize the cost for citizens in the long term."

The councilmen plan to join Scott Owens — the Cincinnati director for governmental relations firm LNE Group — in meetings with U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, Sen. George Voinovich and Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Owens said he also plans to remind the congressmen of Hamilton's funding request for a road extension near Miami University Hamilton at the South Hamilton Crossing.

Council members Kathy Becker and George McNally are scheduled to spend three days in the nation's capital participating in seminars with the National League of Cities.

Council paid for three Miami Hamilton students to join them on the trip and attend the seminars, which focus on issues ranging from affordable housing, unfunded federal mandates, transportation and budgets, Becker said.

"What better empowerment for our youth is there than to go to Washington, D.C., and see government in action and get a better feel for it?" she said.

The students also expect to meet with Boehner and Brown.

Becker said she has made arrangements to meet with Fairfield Councilman Marty Judd, who is also attending. Middletown is not sending any representatives.

Council canceled its Wednesday meeting because of the trips.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2186 or cfullam@coxohio.com.