Southfield Megachurch Says It Would Use Oil Well Money For Good Works
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit-area church that could get an exploratory oil well on its property says money that comes in from the project would be used for good works.
Minister Andrea Simpson, spokeswoman for Word of Faith International Christian Center, tells the Detroit Free Press that opponents "characterize us as greedy and that is just not true." She says money could help reach more youth with summer programs, for example.
Officials haven't said how much money could come in from the Southfield project.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is holding a public meeting Wednesday night to seek comments on Traverse City-based Jordan Development's permit application. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. at Southfield High School.
The city opposes the drilling and passed a 180-day moratorium last year on oil and gas extractions due to environmental concerns.
Ben Brower, with Jordan Development, has said the drilling won't put residents in danger. He told WWJ's Vickie Thomas there are already 48 wells producing oil in Oakland County — including one on Michigan State University's Troy campus. Brower said Wayne County has 28, with one behind Costco in Livonia and one on the campus of Schoolcraft College. He said St. Clair County has 475 and Macomb County has 158.
Brower doesn't believe a moratorium on drilling in Southfield applies to this project because he says the MDEQ is the governing body. He also said no fracking will ever be done on the site.
No immediate decision is expected.
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