Clay County Board Discusses Solar Energy Project

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Published on January 16 2020 11:24 am
Last Updated on January 16 2020 11:24 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Clay County board members discussed a renewable energy project this week.

Representatives of Renewable Development with Invenergy were on hand at Tuesday's meeting. Invenergy is hoping to bring the Maple Flats Solar Energy Center project to the county.

The project involves leased land in Louisville, Harter and Oskaloosa Townships where solar panels would be placed. The developers hope to obtain enterprise zone tax benefits for the project.

The developers say more than $28 million in property taxes would be generated over 35 years, as well as $250 million in investment in Clay County. The projection is for more than 500, and perhaps up to 700 fulltime construction jobs during the construction phase and four to five permanent operator jobs. The estimated tax liability for the first year is close to $1.4 million, with more than $28 million for 35 years.

In exchange for the tax breaks the enterprise zone would provide, Invenergy has offered Xenia and Clay City $30,000 each for community projects, and $50,000 for Flora community projects.

The hope is that enterprise zone issues could be resolved in time to get the project started in August or September.

Also this week, the Clay board learned that the Sailor Springs bridge project will be let for bids on Friday, and they voted to raise the charge for GIS services to $27 from $14.

The Board also approved Mike Frost's appointment to the Clay County Board of Health for a two-year term.