Council hears Silicon Ranch expansion pitch as solar-overlay zoning passes amid local concern

A Silicon Ranch representative described a planned 50-megawatt expansion and asked council Dec. 10 to approve a zoning permit so construction could proceed from an adjacent site.

Luke Wilkinson, senior vice president for project development at Silicon Ranch, told council the company would invest more than $60 million in the expansion, contribute over $20 million in new taxes over the project's life, and create more than 400 craft labor jobs. He said Silicon Ranch owns and operates projects long term and intends to continue community engagement, including attending local job fairs.

Separately, Miss Richardson presented Ordinance 24-40, a request to place a floating solar-energy-facility overlay on approximately 1,003 acres on Wild Wild Horse Road for a 50-MW solar farm. She emphasized the application was a zoning overlay and that the developer must still obtain other permits, and noted a decommissioning plan—raised in the planning commission hearing—has been provided and included in the packet.

Councilor Newton spoke in opposition, urging colleagues to observe conditions at the existing Lambert-area solar project, criticizing visible clearing and dust/smoke and noting that construction traffic has included few local trucks. He said the north-end project required a site visit and raised concerns about local contractor use. Newton said, "If you just make a pop up visit...you can see that the smoke that is generated 24/7 in the Lambert Town community."

Council approved Ordinance 24-40 on third reading; the chair noted the motion carried with two opposed. The zoning change is limited to the overlay; additional operational permits (stormwater, etc.) remain pending before construction can begin.