Editor’s note: The final paragraph has been revised to note that the technology policy was approved through an ordinance.
WYNNE — A new solar farm is coming to Cross County.
The Cross County Quorum Court heard Monday night from Blake Spurgeon of Silicone Ranch, who is putting in the solar farm south of Cherry Valley near Possum City.
“They’re one of these that don’t ask for abatement or nothing. It’s about a 75-acre tract of ground they’re buying,” said Cross County Judge Lynn Blake. “They’ll own the ground. It’s not leased ground. They said it would take up about 30 to 40 acres of the ground.
“They just come to show us what their plans are. They’re not asking for any tax abatement or anything,” Judge Blake added. “They just let us know they’re in the process of doing it. It’s owned by a company out of Tennessee. They’re the type that put a smaller solar system in, solar panels that don’t go to the transmission lines. They do into the supply lines.”
Judge Blake said the company plans to break ground on the project next year.
“They’re in the process of purchasing the ground,” he said. “Their plans are already drawn up. Hopefully, by 2025 they’ll break ground on it. They’re doing all their soil testing, environmental testing, and all that right now.
“They said it’s about an eight-month project of putting everything in,” Judge Blake added. “Everything they put in is all manufactured here in the United States. … This company was actually started by an ex-governor of Tennessee and somebody else. They pretty much don’t lease ground. They buy ground and build these smaller solar farms on.”
Justices also approved an ordinance establishing a policy for county technology resources and discussed countywide cleanup, including plans for the fall. The resolution outlines the proper use of devices such as computers and cell phones owned by the county.
