AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Momentum is building for a new solar project in parts of Potter and Carson counties.
Potter County commissioners approved Yellow Rose Solar’s tax abatement proposal at the most recent commissioner’s court meeting.
It also approved a resolution designating Potter County reinvestment zone number 2 the property the proposed solar farm will occupy.
The finalized tax abatement is a pilot payment to Potter County of $1,875 per megawatt, a nearly 50 percent reduction in what would be owed to the county during the 10-year period.
“Good support from any commissioners in any of these counties, it goes to show that they like to see something new like this in this area. The economic benefits to them far outweigh any kind of maybe negative impacts or thoughts that people might have on these kinds of projects. It’s nice to see that they’re welcome here in counties like this,” said Alicia Wheeler, Orion Renewable Energy Group project development manager.
During today’s public comment window, many Potter County residents spoke out against the project, specifically its close proximity to some of their homes.
“We simply wish it would be farther away from our individual homes where we wouldn’t have to sacrifice our lifestyle and our home security for the rest of the project. That’s our whole issue is we don’t want it contiguous to our own homes,” said Potter County resident Phillip Carter.
Supporters of the project were also present including Tonya Detten, who says the project would financially benefit school districts like Highland Park ISD and Panhandle ISD, while bolstering the local economy.
“Potter County is getting a lot of industry in this area and we need houses for them and schools for their children. So again, it’s just one of those economic things that makes Amarillo area, Potter County a viable place and competitive with other places in Texas,” said Detten.
Nearby residents will financially benefit from this project. Those within 1,500 feet will be paid $2,500 annually once construction is underway.
Orion Renewable Energy Group says it is still working on selling the project to a private entity.
Once acquired, the earliest construction could begin is December of this year.
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