GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — A new solar plant is getting closer to soaking up the sun in Ford County.
The Board of Appeals will discuss approving it this week, and officials say it could mean a brighter future for the local economy. Flatland and sunshine are plentiful in Ford County, and people in Gibson City are trying to turn those elements into tax revenue.
“I went to the meeting this past Wednesday [for] the Appeals Board and they answered all the questions. It appears they met all the requirements, so we’re pretty confident that it should pass,” Gibson City Mayor Daniel Dickey said.
Paxton community at odds with city officials on new gas station Earthrise Energy had the idea to build a solar farm next to their peaking plant on the outskirts of Gibson City. Now, it’s up to the county’s Board of Appeals to recommend the new panels.
“I can tell you that Gibson City, we’re very excited,” Dickey said. “The tax revenues generated will be around approximately $24 million over the next 35 years.”
Most people he’s heard from support the new farm.
“The bulk of the money will be for the fire department, the library — the school districts will benefit, and other taxing bodies in this area.”
Lacey Rexroad lives close to the proposed site and said she sees nothing but a positive outcome.
“If it’s going to bring money for the school district, I like it,” she said, “because I have a niece and nephew that go to that school, and one day I hope my daughter goes to that school. So, if it helps the school district, I’m for it.”
Sliding into town: Little Tikes to feature Paxton playground in catalog Dickey said about $16 million of revenue will give a big boost to the school district, and using the land to produce power instead of crops will help Gibson City move into the future.
Earthrise Energy will also be planting tree and native prairie plants around the farm.
“People talk about, well, you’re taking land out of production,” Dickey said. “Well, you’re taking it out of corn production, soybean production — but it’s going to be energy production.”
The farm will add five full-time jobs and 20 new jobs in total.
“I’m for it growing and maybe getting new businesses and new restaurants and more people to know this little town,” Rexroad said.
The Ford County Board of Appeals will discuss the new farm at Wednesday’s meeting. If approved, the county board will have a final vote before construction can begin.
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