$400 million solar project sparks debate at Crawford County zoning hearing
The Brief
• Crawford County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on renewable energy zoning regulations that could affect a $400 million solar project
• Shasta Power’s proposed solar development north of 620th Avenue could generate $61 million in tax revenue for the county
• Residents expressed mixed views, with some concerned about property values and community character while others support the economic benefits
CRAWFORD COUNTY — Crawford County residents packed a public hearing Thursday evening to voice their opinions on renewable energy zoning regulations that could determine the fate of a $400 million solar project.
The Planning and Zoning Commission hosted the public input session to gather community feedback on potential zoning rules for renewable energy developments. The hearing comes as Shasta Power awaits clarity on its proposed solar project north of 620th Avenue, which the company has been pursuing since presenting survey results earlier this month showing strong local support.
The proposed solar development has divided the community, with residents expressing conflicting views about the project’s potential impact on Crawford County.
“I have concerns regarding how it’s going to impact our property values and the development of our community,” said Ann Sanders, a Crawford County resident who attended the hearing.
Judy Prince, another county resident, voiced concerns about preserving the area’s agricultural character.
“If we wanted to be living in an industrialized area, we would go up to Kansas City or somewhere like that,” Prince said. “We are here to live in a farming community, and we’re trying to be good stewards of the farmland.”
Despite the opposition, Shasta Power representatives attended the hearing to address the Planning and Zoning Commission directly and present their case for the solar project.
The economic implications of the project are significant for Crawford County. Shasta’s solar development is projected to generate $61 million in tax revenue for the county and provide $220,000 in compensation to neighboring property owners.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will use input from Thursday’s hearing to develop a comprehensive plan that will eventually go before the County Commission for a final vote. Until that comprehensive plan is completed, Crawford County’s solar moratorium remains in effect, preventing any new solar developments from moving forward.
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