VIDEO: Montville Power Plant Closure Leaves Uncertain Future for Town

AES Thames, a coal-burning power plant, filed for bankruptcy in February but news of its closure was still a surprise to residents and town officials.

"It's a sad very day," said , of the departure.

The plant employs 34 people and pays approximately $1.2 million dollars in tax revenue to the town. And, although town officials have not heard from the plant's owners about their plans to leave, plant employees are reporting that the plant will be decommissioned and parts will be moved to South America.

Vlaun said AES Thames is leasing the property, and it will revert back to RockTenn when they leave. The town is willing to work with anyone interested in developing the riverfront property.