AGENDA DATE: 12/6/2023
TITLE:
Title
Schedule a Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Siting Agreement for Woodridge Solar Project
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a public hearing to consider proposed siting agreement for Woodridge Solar project.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Sumner, Rosenberg, Herrick
PRESENTER (S): Andy Herrick
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On April 5, 2023, the Board adopted resolutions to approve the Woodridge Solar Project (SP202200015), the Woodridge Solar Substation (SP202200014), and a critical slopes special exception for the project (SE202200035). As approved, this solar-energy electrical generation facility and associated substation would produce approximately 138 megawatts, with panels encompassing approximately 650 acres.
Under Virginia Code ? 15.2-2316.7, any applicant for a solar project or an energy storage project must give to the host locality written notice of the applicant's intent to locate in the locality and request a meeting. That section further requires that the applicant must meet, discuss, and negotiate a siting agreement with the locality. It also specifies that the resulting siting agreement may include financial compensation to the host locality to address certain capital needs.
In a letter dated January 19, 2023, addressed to the County Executive and the County Attorney, the applicant's counsel gave the required written notice of the applicant's intent to locate in the county and requested a meeting. The applicant's counsel subsequently provided a proposed siting agreement. Following staff review of the proposed agreement, on June 7, 2023, counsel for the applicant and the County met to discuss and negotiate a draft siting agreement (Attachment A).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being.
DISCUSSION: The proposed siting ...
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