May 29, 2025 Update

Over the past two weeks, our construction work has included: completing civil activities such as grading, seeding, and fencing. Other crews have been working on trenching for underground electrical systems, including excavation and cable installation.

Looking ahead, construction efforts will focus on cable pulling, the installation of medium-voltage cables, and continued trench work.

May 16, 2025 Update

In the next few weeks, there will be an increased presence of workers and subcontractors on site in Ford County. Our civil contractors are continuing to move dirt, haul sand, and repair drain tile. They are also maintaining stormwater pollution prevention (SWPP) inspections and performing site landscaping.

Our electrical contractors are continuing to trench and pull and install cables. AZCO, our subcontractor, will continue installing piles and trackers. Module installation will begin at the end of May or the beginning of June. Deliveries will continue to arrive at the site.

May 2, 2025 Update

Construction activities now include installing underground medium voltage cable, cable pulling, and site preparation such as grading, seeding, and fencing. In some areas, crews are now backfilling trenches, while in others, they are excavating trenches where cable will be installed in the future.

Looking ahead over the next two weeks, we will continue cable pulling and installing medium voltage cable, along with ongoing trenching activities.

April 17, 2025 Update

With great weather over the last few weeks, construction is progressing on schedule and various activities are underway. 

Our subcontractor, is focusing on access road maintenance as well as seeding and mulching where trenching is occurring. AM Construction is repairing drain tile where temporary sediment basins were installed. J.F. Edwards, our subcontractor for the medium voltage (MV) cable installation, is managing cable deliveries and continuing trenching work for our MV right of ray route. 

The local U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) office and Pheasants Forever chapter kicked off Phase II of their outside the fence seeding efforts. This week, they planted 114 acres of native prairie habitat on the Project. Prairies play a crucial role in improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and water quality while helping sequester carbon. Gibson City is currently the largest prairie restoration project in the State!

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April 4, 2025 Update

Since our last update, most of our activity continues to be preparing the land for upcoming construction, including grading and spring seeding. We will also begin installing piles and electrical trenching.

March 21, 2025 Update

Since mobilizing on 2/27 and beginning work in Ford County, most of our activity is focused on preparing the land for upcoming construction, including grading and spring seeding. Additionally, we are working on the construction of permanent roads (in the array) and creating sediment basins to manage runoff. Looking ahead over the next two weeks, our efforts will continue with additional clearing, grading, seeding work, and trenching for utilities.

March 20, 2025 Update

Earthrise Energy is partnering with US Fish and Wildlife, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, to convert land outside the fence of the Gibson City Energy Solar Project to prairie restoration habitat. In total, approximately 350 acres in Ford County will be seeded with native grasses and wildflowers. Approximately 75 acres were seeded this past week, successfully wrapping up Phase I. 

March 10, 2025 Update

Our general contractor, Burns & McDonnell, mobilized on 2/27 and have begun work in Ford County. Right now, their activity is focused on preparing the land for upcoming construction, including grading and spring seeding. Over the next two weeks, our efforts will continue with additional clearing, grading, and seeding work. As the project progresses and major equipment starts arriving, we will continue to update this website with details on deliveries using county roads to keep the community informed.

2024 Update

We are thrilled to be only a few weeks away from the start of construction for Gibson City Energy Center Solar 2. This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community and we want to extend our sincere gratitude. Our general contractor, Burns & McDonnell, will be mobilizing on-site in March 2025, with construction expected to take approximately 18 months. 

Over the course of construction, we will periodically post updates to the website on the status of construction and any anticipated traffic disruption. Safety is a top priority for us, and we are taking all steps necessary to ensure a safe construction process.