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by CBS6 staff
NYSDEC Washington County Grasslands Wildlife Management Area.Endangered birds at center of ongoing debate over proposed Fort Edward Solar Farm (wrgb)
Washington County, N.Y. (WRGB) — A 100-megawatt solar project in Fort Edward has received state approval.
The New York State Department of Public Service announced Tuesday that the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission issued a final siting permit to Boralex LLC for the Fort Edward Solar Project, a large-scale facility planned in the Town of Fort Edward.
State officials said the project will generate about 100 megawatts of emissions-free electricity, enough to power roughly 25,600 homes, and is expected to be operational by 2030.
The development is also projected to create about 120 construction jobs and a small number of permanent positions, while providing more than $14 million in community benefits through tax payments and agreements with local governments and schools.
In addition, DPS said residents collectively could see about $500,000 in utility bill credits over the first decade of operation.
The project has previously faced opposition from some environmental advocates, particularly over potential effects on grassland bird habitats.
“You can’t just give birds a map and say, ‘hey birds, here’s your new home,’” said Alex Fasulo, a wildlife advocate and Schuylerville farm owner who previously criticized the proposal. “This specific grassland is where they have chosen to breed and feed for thousands of years.”
State regulators said the approval followed a detailed review process that included public hearings and revisions to reduce impacts on farmland, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
According to the Department of Public Service, the final project design reduced its footprint and environmental impacts, including cutting affected wildlife habitat and agricultural land by hundreds of acres.
Local leaders praised the project as a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.
Town of Fort Edward Supervisor Tim Fisher said the process involved years of collaboration and adjustments to reflect community input.
“After years of thoughtful engagement and collaboration, the Town of Fort Edward is pleased to see the Fort Edward Solar Project receive its final siting permit," said Fort Edward Supervisor Tim Fisher.
Grassland Bird Trust and Boralex sent this statement to CBS6:
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