Written comment period opening for Appaloosa Solar Project

POMEROY––Appaloosa Solar Project LLC has posted a notice of application with Garfield County Planning for a proposed solar farm that would be constructed in Garfield County, about 13 miles northwest of Pomeroy, on leased land between Highway 12 and the Snake River. The project area is bordered on the east by Meadow Creek and State Highway 127, the road from Dodge Junction to Central Ferry, runs through it. The total acreage leased for the project would be approximately 7,000 acres.

The Appaloosa Solar Project will construct and operate 300 megaWatts of alternating current solar photovoltaic arrays with a battery energy storage facility with a capacity of up to 150 MW of energy. It will require approximately 27 miles of new and improved roads for construction and maintenance access.

The project is anticipated to begin construction in June of 2024, but it will begin earlier if all permitting and approvals are obtained before then. The operational life of the Appaloosa Solar Project is 40 years. Garfield County would receive a significant increase in the tax base from the construction and operation of the project.

Public comment may be submitted in written form to Garfield County by January 19. A public hearing will be held for the Garfield County Hearing Examiner to consider the matter, but a time and date for the hearing have not yet been set.