SULLIVAN CO., Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The Fairbanks Solar Energy Center is coming together in Sullivan County, and should be completed by the end of this year.
There have been mixed reviews on the plan, but the board wanted to protect non-participating land owners as well as those participating in the negotiations. Sullivan County Commissioner Robert Davis noted road use and economic development agreements that will bring money into the county.
“Some people don’t care,” he said. “Some of the farmers do not like the idea that it has taken prime farm ground out of production. Other farmers that I’ve talked to that are involved in it say they’re making more money with no input costs.”
The $280 million project, which is being overseen by Invenergy, is estimated to generate over $125 million in local revenue through taxes and landowner payments over the expected project life.
Davis also emphasized that the board wanted to go about things the right way when planning for the 250 megawatt facility.
“They kind of spoke for what they wanted to do and as a county commissioner I didn’t feel it was my position, and our board feels this way, that we can tell us what they could or couldn’t do with their property,” he said.
Another solar project, titled Trade Post, is set to start in 2025.
