Emery County approves Horned Shadow Solar Project and cooperative agreement with PLIPCO

The Emery County Commission convened on April 15, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of the Horned Shadow Solar Project and discussions on local tax exemptions and trail grants.

The meeting commenced with a focus on the Horned Shadow Solar Project, a significant 300-megawatt solar initiative located in Castle Dale. The commission approved an ordinance establishing the project’s community reinvestment area plan. The approval followed a detailed presentation by Peyton from Desiree, the company overseeing the project. He highlighted the project's progress, noting that it has generated over 670,000 work hours and employed an average of 80 workers during its 14-month construction period. The project has also invested $105 million in local businesses, emphasizing the importance of local job creation and energy production.

Following the solar project discussion, the commission reviewed a cooperative agreement with Utah's Public Lands Policy Coordination Office (PLIPCO). This partnership aims to assist in updating Emery County's general plan, with PLIPCO contributing $10,000 to support the initiative. The commission unanimously approved this agreement, recognizing the value of PLIPCO's assistance in ensuring compliance with state regulations.

The commission then turned its attention to the 2025 property tax exemption list. While most exemptions were approved, the commission decided to exclude the Epicenter, Green River Medical Center, and Castle Ridge Behavioral Center from immediate approval, opting to conduct further reviews of their financial documentation. This decision reflects the commission's commitment to thorough oversight of tax exemptions.

Lastly, the commission discussed the Emery County trails grant applications. The travel office has administered a trails grant for several years, funding various local projects, including the Green River Rock Riverwalk and equestrian bridges on Forest Service lands. The commission allocated $30,000 from the transient room tax for this year's grant, which closed for applications on April 1.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commission's ongoing efforts to foster local development through renewable energy projects, careful financial oversight, and support for community infrastructure. The next steps include further evaluations of the tax exemption requests and the distribution of trails grant funds to enhance local recreational opportunities.