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County OKs start of negotiations with RWE on phase 2 renewables project
Summary
The Blackford County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to begin formal negotiations with RWE on a phase 2 renewables project and discussed possible ordinance and Economic Development Agreement (EDA) changes to address setbacks and permitting details.
The Blackford County Board of Commissioners voted to allow formal negotiations with RWE on a phase 2 renewables project.
Warren Brown moved that the county "formally move ahead with negotiations with RWE, the phase 2," and the motion was seconded and approved by the board. Brown told commissioners that the company and county staff were looking to reconcile language between the county's ordinance and the proposed Economic Development Agreement so potential applicants understand requirements such as setbacks before they submit permit applications.
Why it matters: negotiating terms in an EDA can affect siting, setbacks and permitability for large renewable projects and may shape what RWE is able to propose. Brown said clarifying the EDA before permit application would make the process more viable for the developer and clearer for county review.
Details: Brown said the county should use negotiations to "make it clear for them what that would be" in reference to ordinance items that might need to be adjusted in the EDA. Commissioners voted in favor of the motion; the board announced the vote as "3 0." No ordinance revisions were adopted at this meeting; Brown recommended clarifications be included in the EDA negotiations and that the board "see how RWE goes first."
Next steps: staff were authorized to negotiate terms with RWE. Any substantive changes to county ordinances or a finalized EDA would return to the board for review and formal action.
