Construction of a new solar farm just outside Gibson City is expected to begin in 2025.  The Ford County Board (Monday evening) approved a plan from Earthrise Energy to build the farm next to the company's peaking plant.  The solar operation is pegged to generate $24 million in tax revenue over the next 35 years.  Twenty new jobs are projected too.

Earthrise Energy Project Developer Ellie Ginis issued a post-meeting remark, thanking the Board and community for the support.

Several taxing bodies stand to benefit, including the school district. Earthrise Enerly also plans to plant native grasses and trees around the solar farm.

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“The Board’s vote reflects that this is a win-win-win,” Ginis continued. “It’s a win for our landowners, who will diversify their income and generate a long-term, predictable revenue stream from their property lease with us. It’s a win for the local community as our project will generate about $24 million in estimated property taxes for the local school district, fire district, library, county government, and other government agencies. It’s a win for the environment. Not only will we be generating clean, renewable energy, but we will also be planting pollinator-friendly vegetation under and around our solar panels and creating a habitat that will increase local biodiversity and support bee and monarch butterfly populations for years to come.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2025.