The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board of Directors spent the majority of their monthly meeting Friday morning discussing the potential for solar energy in Lyon County.
Representatives of Evergy presented the information, specifically focusing on plans to build a solar farm near the Emporia Energy Center on Road 200. During the meeting, representatives covered a variety of topics including the scale of the project, potential safeguards and decommissioning plans once the project were to meet its end of its life.
According to the information provided, Evergy plans for the solar farm to be a 30-year project that could bring roughly $60 million in tax revenue over the course of those three decades despite a 10-year tax exemption. Evergy representatives also noted the project would create short-term jobs during the construction phase of the project and provide an additional source of energy production at a time when energy needs continue to rise.
RDA Board President Jeff Williams, following the meeting, clarified Friday’s presentation was simply for “Education” purposes, noting the six-month moratorium that remains in place on solar facilities and developments within Lyon County. That said, Williams noted energy production is a necessity for any community, saying it is the driving force for development.
Evergy representatives at Friday’s meeting declined comment to KVOE News afterward, but did note during the presentation that discussions on the project have been underway since 2022.
Should the project move forward as planned, Evergy anticipates construction could begin by mid 2027 and conclude by the second quarter of 2029.
In other business, Friday, Williams updated the board on the search for a new permanent RDA President and CEO, which has been underway for nearly three years since Chuck Scott left in early 2024.
Once a new president is found, Williams says the search may not stop there, noting they will likely begin a search for a new Vice President and he says both positions will need to be filled by individuals who can handle all levels and sectors of business, not just large industry.
Williams also says when it comes to a timeline, he is hesitant to set anything in stone, noting the last search effort never met any of the deadlines they set forth. That said, he is “hopeful” they could have someone ready to go before the start of the new year.
Also Friday, the board received an update on the city’s railroad corridor improvements project and held one executive session with no action taken.
The RDA Board of Directors will next convene in October for its monthly meeting.
