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Beshear Approves Land Purchase For Henderson Co. Solar Farm

Ray Ok
/
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG) with Gov. Andy Beshear announced on June 16 final approval on the sale of 418 acres of Henderson County land to Henderson Solar in the 4 Star Industrial Park. A press release issued by the DLG states the land will be used to make Henderson Solar’s 1,700-acre solar facility viable.

“Today is a first step toward building a more modern and resilient economy,” Beshear said in a statement. “Thanks to Henderson Solar, we will see a more diverse energy profile, new tax revenue and good jobs in Henderson and the surrounding area.”

DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene said the approval of the purchase agreement opens the door to more investment in the area: “This project will not only generate new dollars for the local community, but it adds a new industry in the industrial park, which will generate benefits and growth for years to come.”

Construction of the solar facility is set to begin in 2022, with energy production slated for the end of 2023. The project is expected to create five full-time jobs, more than 100 construction jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue over the next two decades.

“This is a momentous day in the history of 4 Star, and it is truly a win-win deal,” Henderson County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider said in a statement. “The company gained the acreage it needed to generate the power required to make its solar farm viable. The 4 Star board now has the financial resources to make significant improvements to the park.”

Doug Bell, chairman of the 4 Star Board of Directors, said the project is a great opportunity for the Industrial Park.

“This is an exciting day for not only 4 Star Park, but for our region in general,” said Bell in a statement. “We are excited to have this company as a part of our park. With this partnership, our board will now have the financial capacity to further enhance the park. These enhancements, such as a shell or spec building, will give us a competitive advantage when attracting new industry to our area.”

In addition to creating jobs, the solar farm will allow electric cooperative Big Rivers Electric Corp. to purchase solar energy from the plant, offsetting carbon emissions equivalent to taking approximately 55,000 cars off the road.

Rachel’s interest in journalism began early in life, reading newspapers while sitting in the laps of her grandparents. Those interactions ignited a thirst for language and stories, and she recalls getting caught more than once as a young girl hiding under the bed covers with a flashlight and book because she just couldn’t stop reading.
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