H.E.L.P. Grant Funding and Duff Solar Park Updates

Jenny Matheis provided an update on the H.E.L.P. Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program. $700,000 in grant funds are available to directly provide funding to homeowners of low to moderate income to allow them to make necessary home repairs. There has been a tremendous community response, especially from older residents who need to make safety- related updates so that they can continue to stay in their homes. 220 applications have been sent out so far, with 56 completed applications received at the time of the meeting. 

 The project manager for EDP provided an overview of the Duff Solar Park construction project, which will be located just west of Huntingburg in the Duff area. They hope to start construction this fall, and the Commissioners have approved the Crossvine Solar Road Use Agreement. The solar field will span approximately 100 acres and will have a capital investment of about $150 million. It is expected to generate approximately $25 million in property taxes paid to the county and also approximately $30 million to land owners over the life of the project, which is expected to be about 35 years. EDP has received enthusiastic support from the more than 20 local landowners participating in the project. Environmental and engineering studies have been completed on participating properties and final locations for the panels are being determined. The EDP Decommissioning Plan Agreement was passed by the Commissioners for the removal of equipment and restoration of the site at the close of the project. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring