By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — The Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a solar farm in the far northeast corner of Reno County.
"It's averaging about a dollar a kilowatt," said Commissioner Daniel Friesen. "This is an expected $1.4 million investment in the county in an area that probably would never see that kind of investment if we hadn't fostered this."
The property is located on the south side of E. 108th Avenue, approximately 825 feet east of the intersection of N. Sunrise Road and E. 108th Avenue.
"Unlike some solar farms, this power generator will stay with Ark Valley customers only," said County Planner Mark Vonachen. "It will not be sold or distributed elsewhere. It's strictly for the benefit of customers from Ark Valley. The area around the solar farm is going to be secured by a six-foot fence with barbed wire. The project will also comply with the national electric code standards. The project is designed to last at least 25 years."
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request by a 5-0 vote and the County Commission also passed it unanimously.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay