Entergy Texas broke ground on its first new power plant in 40 years Feb. 15 in Willis, according to a press release.

Montgomery County Power Station is planned to be a 993-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine plant, now under construction adjacent to the Lewis Creek power plant in Willis.

“Southeast Texas is growing, and Entergy Texas needs to invest now to power that growth,” said Sallie Rainer, president and CEO of Entergy Texas Inc., in the release. “By providing reliable, affordable power, we can meet our customers’ needs today, while laying the foundation for future growth across our region.”

Austin-based economic analysis provider TXP Inc. estimated construction could generate $1 billion in economic activity across the state and create more than 7,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The plant is expected to go live mid-2021.