Lake Elmo EDA asks council to explore state aid to pay off landfill solar bond

The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority unanimously voted to ask the City Council to seek counsel about pursuing state funding to pay off the outstanding bond on the closed landfill so a solar project can move forward.

The EDA’s chair introduced the item during the meeting and moved that staff or a city representative discuss with the city attorney whether the EDA or city should request that the local state representative introduce legislation to pay off the bond. The motion was seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

EDA members said the landfill bond was a barrier to development at the site and that paying the remaining principal could allow the city to pursue a solar array that would generate revenue. The EDA noted the original bond…