WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wisconsin Rapids City Council voted to send a proposed solar electric generating facility back to the planning committee for further review instead of approving construction plans.
The project would be built on 27 acres of city-owned land bounded by Whitrock Avenue, 20th Street South, Two Mile Avenue, and 28th Street South. The council voted to have the planning committee take a closer look at the land parcels where the solar panels would be constructed.
Council member Madalyn Palmquist expressed concerns about the project’s proximity to city infrastructure.
Palmquist said, “This is not about the solar project. A vote to rezone the parcels is not equivalent to approving that project or indicating support for it in any way. It is about not gambling with the safety of our public water supply.”
The current plans would place the project near two city wells and in an area next to residences.
After committee consideration, members voted on a letter of intent that allows them to discuss the solar panel project on a future date with updated plans.
The proposed solar panels would create additional power for the Wisconsin Rapids area, but the benefits would primarily help businesses rather than residential customers.
“Anybody here, they’re not going to see much, but the manufacturing companies in the city, that have good-paying jobs for the people that live here, and this will matter to them,” Todd Weiler from the Water Works and Lighting Commission said.
Large corporations and businesses in the city would save millions over 30 years. Local businesses would save around $15,000, while households would only save hundreds in the same timeframe.
Mayor Matt Zacher said he understands the frustration this information caused among people attending the meeting. He did not want to make a final decision on the plan, but would like the committee to make a decision sooner rather than later.
“And the last thing that I want to do is say, ‘you know what, I’m going to do something and shut it off so we can’t even take a vote.’ All I really care about is getting it to you guys, to hear out all the information, and take the vote,” Zacher said.
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