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Date: 2/8/2022
SPRINGFIELD/AMHERST – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno unveiled the city’s latest investment in its Climate Action and Resilience Plan with the purchase of all solar energy produced by Fort River Solar 2 LLC’s new photovoltaic facility planned for the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course property in Amherst.
“I really want to thank [Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management] Patrick Sullivan and [Chief Administrative and Financial Officer] TJ Plante. We’ve been noted and awarded as an urban center for what we’ve done working on climate change. For me, it’s not only good for the environment, but it’s good for the bottom line of a budget,” said Sarno in an interview with Reminder Publishing.
The mayor shared that Sullivan and Plante approached him about the potential acquisition, with both noting the dual benefit that the purchase could have upon the city. By acquiring Fort River Solar 2’s complete solar energy generation and receiving a 10 percent discount rate on electricity for municipal buildings, the city is projected to save around $1.6 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years, according to Sarno.
“If you’re able to save here and there, it allows you to do other positive things for the city. We started it out, did our homework and decided to move forward on the deal,” said Sarno.
The acquisition of Fort River Solar 2 ‘s energy also marks another step in the city’s effort to promote greener energy sources through the Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Formed in 2017, the action plan continues to unite local organizations, like the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent before 2050, according to their mission statement.
“Thanks to this agreement, we continue to enhance the city of Springfield’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. Not only will this create a savings in electricity costs for our municipal buildings, but just as important, will help to lower our carbon footprint and expands the city’s green energy initiatives,” said Sullivan in the city’s official statement about the purchase.
Amherst Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek remains active in working on the town’s purchasing of the Hickory Ridge property, promoting the space to the town as a blank canvas for many different ideas. One project that is certain at this point is the installation of the 6.2 MW solar array as part of the town’s effort to combat climate change. Fort River Solar 2 is an Amherst-based LLC owned by Barry Roberts that holds all of the necessary approvals from the town and state entities such as the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Department of Energy Resources. Amp Energy, however, plans to acquire Fort River Solar 2 and will construct, maintain and operate the solar facility under the Fort River Solar 2 name, according to Amherst Town Attorney Tom Reidy.
“This is a really exciting project for Amherst, we’ve been working on it for about four and a half years,” Ziomek said. “The town recognized what an incredible opportunity it is to buy the land and so we entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the owners and as part of that there will be 26 acres of solar on the property, which has already been permitted.”
While still considering public input for other projects for the 150-acre former golf course, the construction of the solar array will take place as it was included in the purchase agreement for the land. Because the land is being sold for the development of the solar array, Springfield will now be the recipient of all the energy produced at this site in Amherst.
Amherst will receive payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) of around $50,000 to $65,000 a year from Amp Energy. The PILOT payments compensate the government for some of the property tax revenue lost due to tax exempt ownership. The incentive pay will add a boost to Amherst funds of over $1 million over 20 years and with the input of solar energy, will be a standard in environmentally friendly energy.
“I think it’s a win-win for everybody. The land will be the town of Amherst’s, the project will be Amp, and Springfield will be in the off taker [of the energy],” Ziomek said. “In the meantime, Amherst will be developing an overall master plan for the site which could include a whole host of different opportunities for Amherst residents.”
Ziomek said the town is still looking for input as it is finalizing the purchase of the land. Amherst intends to extend recreational opportunities in the area including trail connections, bike paths, a community garden, and perhaps even an amphitheater according to Ziomek. The property will also be looked at for potential affordable housing development.