COLUMBUS — Following 17 months of review, Harvey Solar was granted its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need today by the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Developed by Open Road Renewables, Harvey Solar is located in Hartford and Bennington townships of Licking County with an 18- to 24-month construction phase anticipated to begin in 2024. Once operational, this solar project will feed clean electricity into a pre-existing 138kv electric transmission line, delivering more than $126 million in new tax revenue to the local community over the project’s lifetime.
Harvey Solar has made additional financial commitments to the Hartford Fire Department, the Hartford Independent Fair, Licking County Park District, and other community benefits that will be realized when the project commences construction.
The Licking County Board of Commissioners approved a taxing structure for the project in April, which will ensure the financial benefit of the project stays in the community. The county commissioners’ action will also ensure the hundreds of construction workers needed will be sourced locally.
Harvey Solar is partnering with the local joint vocational school, C-TEC, on workforce development to help future generations of Licking County students pursue careers in the skilled trades. Harvey Solar will require 300-400 construction workers, with additional long-term employees during operation.
“Open Road Renewables and the Harvey Solar team are appreciative of the Hartford community’s support and look forward to continuing our partnership.” said Samantha Sawmiller, director of development for Open Road Renewables. “We are proud to be adding this solar investment to the growing list of successful economic development activities in Licking County.”
“Renewable energy opportunities like the Harvey Solar project make Licking County more attractive to business investors including Amazon, Google, Facebook, and most recently Intel,” said Alexis Fitzsimmons, executive director of GROW Licking County. “With an over $400 million capital investment, Harvey Solar will serve as a transformative opportunity for townships, schools, the county, and other local entities to benefit from the revenue, jobs, and clean energy it will produce in our community. With the approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board, we are one step closer to another game-changing project for Licking County.”
“Open Road Renewables is investing in the youth of our community,” said Teri Holder with Northridge Athletic Boosters. “They have stepped up in a big way to help meet the needs of the Northridge Athletic Boosters and the Northridge student athletes. Once the project is operational, one of the long-term benefits of Harvey Solar is over $50 million in direct revenues to our schools. We applaud the decision of the state to move this important local project forward.”
“Through its partnership with our local farmers, Open Road Renewables is developing a solar project that our community can be proud of, with pollinator habitat and a thoughtful design that will fit into our rural landscape,” said Keith Wilson with the Licking County Citizens for Solar. “Harvey Solar will leave a lasting impact on our schools, fire station, and local businesses. We are pleased that the Ohio Power Siting Board approved this important project and look forward to seeing homegrown, clean energy enrich our lives for years to come.”
Learn more about Harvey Solar and Open Road Renewables at https://www.harveysolar.com/ and www.openroadrenewables.com.
