PULASKI COUNTY, Ill. -- A new solar power plant could soon be in the works for an area in southern Illinois, bringing with it a large boom to the economy for the region, if approved.
Pulaski Solar, LLC and Vistra Corp, are planning to propose a $650 million investment in Pulaski County to build a 405-megawatt utility-scale solar power plant, which is expected to provide $117 million in earnings for state workers and $57 million in new property taxes from the plant to local governments. This information is from Vistra, a company out of Irvine, Texas.
Vistra detailed project information on the website, which states, the new solar power plant project would support more than 1,300 total direct, indirect and induced full time jobs across the state of Illinois through the building phase of the project.
According to Vistra's proposal on the website, the 25-year cumulative property tax impact, by taxing jurisdiction, is projected to top millions for various school and county entities...
- Century Unit School District 100: $26.7 million
- Pulaski County: $23.5 million
- Shawnee Community College Community District #531: $4.8 million
- County Unit Road: $1.3 million
The website stated:聽total taxes to-be-paid based on 2022 tax rate and the rate being held constant for 25 years. Analysis of Gruen Gruen + Associates, February 2024.
Pulaski Solar, LLC and Vistra Corp., the proposed developer and operator of the plant project, are scheduled to present the proposal to the Pulaski County Board on April 9 and April 10, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Shawnee Community College Auditorium.
A statement from Meranda Cohn, a spokesman for Vistra, can be found below...
鈥淭he proposed 405-megawatt Pulaski Solar project aligns with Vistra鈥檚 determination to responsibly operate, retire, and renew our Illinois fleet. Projects of this scope and complexity require significant diligence, and obtaining local approval to construct the facility is one of the final steps in our evaluation to proceed with this transformational project.
鈥淲e fundamentally believe each plant site is unique, and rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we have spent years in a deliberate process to develop a comprehensive closure and redevelopment plan for the regions impacted by the transition away from coal-fueled generation. Constructing Pulaski Solar and using pre-existing transmission and utility infrastructure at our retired EEI-Joppa power plant facility is another example of our creative approach to retiring and renewing our Illinois fleet.
鈥淲e appreciate the ongoing support of our participating landowners and look forward to engaging with the county and neighbors in the coming weeks.鈥�
Property Tax Impact Analysis:
According to a fiscal impact study, the combined acreage that would house the solar power plant has a tax bill of $62,056. In its first year of operations, Pulaski Solar would generate $3.2 million, an increase of 5090%. Total county-wide assessed property value will increase by 75% in Pulaski Solar鈥檚 first year of operation.
State law governs the taxation of solar power plants and provides local governments with clear expectations of the revenue they can forecast from a facility. A projection using the 2022 tax rate and assuming the rate was held constant for 25 years found the energy center鈥檚 operations would unlock $57 Million in total property taxes for all local taxing jurisdictions. The analysis determined the following projected fiscal impact by the governmental entity:
- $26.7 Million for Century Unit School District 100
- $23.5 Million for Pulaski County
- $4.8 Million for Shawnee Community College District 531
- $1.3 Million For County Unit Road District
Economic Impact Analysis:
This solar power plant is a unique and generational economic development opportunity. According to an economic impact assessment completed by Dr. David Loomis of Strategic Economic Research, LLC, construction of this facility would unlock tremendous benefits for the region and state:
- Creating 1,331 total full-time job equivalents across Illinois
- Generating $117 million in total earnings for in-state workers
- Adding $185 Million to the state鈥檚 economic output
Some background information from Vistra, details more information about the proposal...
On Nov. 17, 2023, Vistra Corp. submitted a comprehensive application to Pulaski County seeking approval to construct a 405 megawatt (MW) solar power plant. If approved, the proposed Pulaski Solar would be developed and operated by Vistra on acreage assembled and leased from property owners.
A proposed transmission line will connect Pulaski Solar to Vistra鈥檚 retired EEI-Joppa power plant, where the project will interconnect to the grid. The solar plant would cost approximately $650 million to construct.
Pulaski County does not have a zoning ordinance. The county and third-party experts are reviewing the company鈥檚 application and how the plant鈥檚 construction, operations, and planned decommissioning will comply with state and local standards. Later this spring, the Pulaski County Board is expected to formally consider the project.
