Supporters of Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed $1.6 billion coal-fired power plant spoke out in favor of the project at a public hearing. Most of the people attending last night’s hearing told Department of Environmental Quality staff members that Wise County needs the plant because it would boost the area’s ailing economy. The construction phase of the 585-megawatt Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center could create 800 jobs. And it could support more than 250 coal-mining jobs. About 75 people would work at the plant itself. Opponents of the project fear the plant will harm the environment and damage people’s health.