Board authorizes Project Blue Horizon agreements as Siemens Energy progresses

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors authorized the board president March 16 to execute three legal documents — a ground lease, a purchase-and-sale agreement and a development agreement — to advance Project Blue Horizon, the county said in packet materials and an on-record update.

County counsel and project staff described the documents as necessary to protect access to state MDA grant funds; staff said grant monies cannot be expended if the property has already been vested in a private company, so the county must retain title until grant conditions are met. Project counsel said the agreements contain protections and 'call back' authority that allow the county to respond if the developer fails to meet key milestones.

A company representative reported on the project's procurement status, saying Siemens Energy has narrowed its contractor list to three firms and expects earth-moving to begin in early May. Supervisors asked clarifying questions about timelines and legal protections; staff said the agreements include milestones and remedies to protect taxpayers.

Supervisor S1 moved to authorize execution of the documents and the motion carried on a voice vote. The county will complete final edits to the documents and the board president will sign them under the authority granted at the meeting.

The board did not disclose contract amounts, purchase price or the specific grant award total in the public record during the meeting.