EDITIOR:

The original solar farm proposal for Escanaba Township was for 1,200 acres, scaled back to 811 acres over a 25 year period. Through my research, Farmers would earn $300 – $2,000 per acre per year. I estimated on the lowest end or $300 here. 811 acres x $300 = $243,300 x 25 years = $6,082,500 total. I believe this would be for about 10 farmer’s lands. Each farmer would earn a minimum of about $608,250 total or probably more. On top of that, they will gain tax breaks for federal/Michigan tax rebates. That means they and one Delta County commissioner member will benefit well financially.

So how much will the rest of you residents receive? $0. Not to mention, hikes in property taxes, insurance rates, reduced fire service, township chaos, etc. Do you still want to annex 19,000 acres to profit approximately 10 farmers? The Bureau of Land Management & Department of Energy has passed laws: Solar Farms can now be built on public lands. They can lease-out these public lands to solar developers. Michigan ranks 15th in the U.S. with public lands or 28% of total lands in the state. This is where solar farms should be built. Homeowners don’t want solar farms in their back yard. Would you “buy” a house with a 1,200 acre solar farm in your back yard?

Warren Bovin

Gladstone