Bosque commissioners deny reinvestment zone

Bosque commissioners deny reinvestment zone Subhead Concerns over safety, economics weighed about battery storage project Nathan Diebenow Wed, 05/29/2024 - 06:17 Image Body

The Bosque County Commissioners Court denied a request to create a reinvestment zone for a proposed battery storage project during its regular meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024 Representatives from Navitas Energy, an energy solutions provider, gave a presentation on its $35 million investment in a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bosque County.

Julie Miller, a consultant for the project, provided an overview during a recent public hearing with county officials, highlighting key aspects of the development.

The BESS project, spanning three acres, will feature a capacity of approximately 30 megawatts, with an expected completion date by late 2026 for construction.

'This project will significantly enhance the reliability of the local grid, helping to mitigate blackouts and brownouts,' Miller said.

During a public hearing, Miller, along with Navitas CEO G.P. Manalac, fielded questions from the county commissioners and community members regarding the technical and economic impacts of the project.

'We anticipate generating $1.2-$1.8 million in revenue for Bosque County over the 30-year lifespan of the project,' Miller explained. 'Additionally, Meridian Independent School District is expected to benefit from $5-$5.5 million in tax revenue.'

The BESS project aims to create 30 to 50 local construction jobs during its 24-month build phase.

When asked about hiring practices, Manalac emphasized the company's commitment to employing local workers whenever possible, citing previous projects where a significant portion of the workforce was sourced locally.

Concerns about safety and environmental impact were addressed, with detailed explanations of the battery management systems, fire suppression protocols, and decommissioning plans.

Manalac assured the audience that the company would work closely with local first responders to ensure safety measures are in place and adequate training is provided.

A notable portion of the meeting focused on the tax abatement for the BESS project. The commissioners deliberated on a proposal to provide a tax abatement for the value of the improvements to the property.

'The abatement would only apply to the battery storage system itself, not the land,' Miller clarified.

Public comments during the hearing reflected mixed feelings about the project. Residents expressed concerns about potential safety risks, environmental impact, and the longterm benefits for the community.

One resident emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over economic gains, citing past incidents involving lithium batteries.

Kenneth Eubanks, another resident, urged the commissioners to ensure that any tax abatements provided would benefit the community and not just the company. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging state and local agencies for safety assessments and oversight.

Following the public comments, the commissioners discussed the reinvestment zone designation for the project, formally known as the Bosque County Meridian BESS Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Number One.

Despite the potential economic benefits, some commissioners expressed reservations about the project's location and its limited long-term job creation.

It was noted that the projected revenue of approximately $60,000 per year for 30 years was not substantial enough to justify the potential risks.

Ultimately, the commissioners voted to deny the creation of the reinvestment zone, citing concerns over safety, economic impact, and the project's proximity to residential areas and schools.

The motion to deny the creation of the Meridian BESS reinvestment zone was made by Bosque County Judge Cindy Vanlandingham and seconded by Commissioner Ronny Liardon, passing unanimously.