Earthrise Energy, the owner and operator of the natural gas peaker plant, the Tilton Energy Center, has proposed Tilton Solar to generate renewable energy in Illinois. The power from the proposed project will help create a more resilient electric grid that we need to offset growing electricity demand.

We, the undersigned residents of Vermilion County, urge the Village of Catlin and Tilton to approve the proposed 188-MWac Tilton Solar Project. The Tilton Solar Project will provide a long-term economic boost to the Villages and Vermilion County by creating new family wage jobs, stimulating local economic activity for local businesses, and providing long-term tax revenue.

This project will:

• Generate an estimated $35 million in property taxes for all taxing districts with over $20.3 million for Salt Fork CUSD 512, $610,000 for Danville Unit 118, and $2.6 million for Danville Area Community College over 35 years.
  
  
• Create 331 new local jobs during construction and 19 long-term jobs in the state and 12.4 long-term jobs in Vermilion County.
  
  
• Help farmers generate additional income and, in some cases, save their land for future generations by supplementing their income with solar land lease payments for 35 years.
  
  
• Improve grid reliability and help lower wholesale electricity costs – as solar energy is now one of the cheapest forms of energy.
  
  
• Preserve farmland for future generations and restore soil health, allowing soil time to rest without using pesticides.
  
  
• Provide long-term stability for the county and local taxpayers by ensuring the operation of the solar project well into the future as other gas-fired power plants close.

Earthrise Energy is committed to being a good corporate citizen and is local to the community, operating the Tilton Energy Center in Tilton. The company has sponsored local community events and projects including the Vermilion County Fair, Balloons Over Vermilion, and United Way’s Radiothon. The company has also provided over $210,000 in grants to help fund organizations like the Danville Public School Foundation, It Takes a Village, United Way of Danville, Gateway Family Services, Vermilion Advantage, and many more.

For these reasons, I urge the Villages of Catlin and Tilton to approve the Tilton Solar Project and ensure that the project can begin construction next summer.