Cherokee County officials oppose new solar energy project
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — Officials in Cherokee County are pushing back against the installation of a new solar energy project that promises to bring in nearly 2 million dollars a year into county coffers.
Clearway Energy proposed installing a 225-megawatt solar energy project in Southeast Kansas.
The company says they have met with county leaders, presenting information and a study suggesting why this is a great opportunity for residents in Cherokee County.
The Cherokee County Zoning board and County Commissioners, however, have expressed a desire to prevent the project from moving forward, by attempting to implement new zoning ordinances for a county that currently has none.
A little more than a dozen farmers and landowners have already signed lease agreements with Clearway to receive payments for allowing use of their property.
Clearway says that would create a steady source of income for land owners who – right now – are subject to the increasing pressure of the economy.
Representatives from the company also say that new jobs and tax revenue would be a big upside to bringing in the new form of energy.
“We’ve presented to the board probably ten times over the last 18 months, and I’m cautiously optimistic that they will continue to be thoughtful about this. But it’s not totally clear why they’re not interested in essentially the new tax revenue,” said Barry Matchett, Clearway Head Of External Affairs.
Matchett says Clearwater will continue to work with the county but says he’s surprised at the county’s actions, given the circumstances.
Cherokee County Commissioners declined our request for an interview.
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