WHEN WORD came down that the R.E. Burger Plant in Shadyside was targeted for closing by the end of 2010, it spawned a tidal wave of disbelief, bitterness and concern.

The power plant was expected to enjoy a new and long life thanks to a clean-fuel burning process. A quick about-face by the plant’s owners (FirstEnergy) resulted in a November notification that the plant would be ceasing to operate by year’s end.

The closure means a revenue shortfall to many entities. Impacted most is the Shadyside School District to the tune of more than a half million dollars. To a lesser degree Mead Township, the village and Belmont County will also incur tax revenue losses.

It is not a good situation to say the least.

The Burger closure will have major impact on how each of the aforementioned entities will operate. Belt tightening, creativity and vision, especially for the school district, are a must.

But we must give credit to school district officials and county leaders. They are not sitting idle, watching tax dollars just slip away.

Both the school district and the county have opened talks with FirstEnergy to keep the funding pipeline flowing even after the plant officially ceases operation. Obviously, the amount of money realized would be a reduced amount, but it would help cushion the blow.

While FirstEnergy’s legal obligations may no longer exist, a moral and community-minded responsibility does remain. The firm has made massive profits in this locale and should give back in return.

Shadyside school officials are taking it a step further, asking the state to alter the district’s state funding allotment if the Burger Plant closing can be labeled a “catastrophic loss.” We certainly view it a catastrophic loss and feel the school district, as well as the county, township and village should all be compensated fairly.

We commend local officials for being aggressive and proactive in their quest to minimize financial damage created by the plant’s closure. We urge FirstEnergy to not turn its back on the people who helped make it a successful venture.