Vigo County designated ready for commercial-scale solar and wind projects

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. — The state of Indiana has deemed Vigo County ready for commercial-scale solar and wind projects. The designation means Vigo County could be home to commercial-scale solar projects like one in Farmersburg, Indiana.

“That designation reflects Vigo County’s adoption of minimum standards for adoption of solar and wind energy,” said Jared Bayler, executive director of the Vigo County Area Plan Commission.

Process took more than two years

Bayler said the process took more than two years. He said the designation allows Vigo County to compete with the rest of the state in attracting solar and wind developments and qualifies the county for state incentives that can be put toward local infrastructure.

“That allow us to be competitive with the rest of the state in attracting these sort of developments and also qualifies us for incentives from the state that allow us to put money towards local infrastructure,” Bayler said.

Commissioners to control funding

The county commissioners would control the incentive money, which would go toward improving local roads and bridges.

“As it is structured now we are set to receive $1 for every megawatt hour generated. So they will decide which road projects need funded, which bridges need attention, and they will allocate those funds through the engineering department so the roads are the best they can be,” Bayler said.

Interest in development

Bayler said the county approached the designation proactively but has received interest in a commercial-scale solar development for Vigo County.

“We approached this more proactively, but there has been interest in a commercial scale solar development for Vigo County… and with the commercial scale, we wanted to get ourselves situated so that we can help protect the local landowners who are adjacent to these developments,” Bayler said.

At this time, there are no confirmed projects in Vigo County. Bayler confirmed any requests for permitting would go through the Area Plan Commission.