SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, Mich. — On Wednesday, the Shiawassee County Planning Commission unanimously approved Ranger Power’s Special Use Permit request for the Assembly Solar Project, a proposed $250 million solar farm in Hazelton and Venice Townships that will create hundreds of jobs. This is the final step in the zoning approval process, and construction is expected to begin late this year.
“We appreciate the support from local community members, businesses, neighbors and residents as we sought approval for the Assembly Solar Project,” said Sergio Trevino, director of permitting at Ranger Power. “The strong partnership we have forged will ensure this project is a win for the entire community, creating more jobs and revenue for schools and public safety.”
Ranger Power took a community-first approach throughout the permit approval process, working closely with landowners and local residents and meeting with stakeholders to hear their thoughts and answer questions.
“We are excited to bring Assembly Solar to our community, which will create jobs and spur continued growth in Shiawassee County,” said Justin Horvath, president and CEO of the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership. “The response among our members and the community has been overwhelmingly positive, which is testament to the early community outreach and engagement from the Ranger Power team as they made this project a partnership rather than a development.”
The Assembly Solar Project will have a significant positive economic impact on Shiawassee County. The project will generate a $3.2 million increase in household earnings through the creation of more than 300 jobs during construction, with approximately $16 million in construction dollars being spent in Shiawassee County.
“This project will pump economic benefits and tax income into Shiawassee County, benefiting schools, small businesses like restaurants and hardware stores, libraries, and fire and police services, as well as roads and bridges,” said Sean Harris, development manager at Ranger Power.
The Assembly Solar Project, which will be developed on a 1,200 acre site of primarily fields and vacant land, received broad community support throughout the planning process. It is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 394,000 tons annually in the short term – equivalent to the yearly emissions of 77,702 cars.
For more information about the project, visit www.assemblysolar.com
