The building of renewable energy infrastructure in a county benefits the local governments, so they have more money to improve services that enhance the quality of life of residents in their communities. In Randolph County, for example, $8.8 million dollars were invested into its communities in 2022 by the creation of Riverstart Solar Park. The park has provided for the improvement of roads, community buildings, and internet connectivity for local residents.

If Delaware County is not able to participate in the development of utility-scale solar soon, there is an increasing chance that the electric grid will not be able to accept power from Delaware County. The reason for this is that counties bordering Delaware County already have utility solar projects completed, underway or proposed. Our electric company, Indiana Michigan Power, will start building a utility solar field in the fall of 2024 in Blackford County.

Indiana is fifth in the country for projected solar growth production and 19th in the production of solar power.

These are positive developments for our state and put us in a leadership position for the rest of the country because sources of new energy are exclusively renewable sources.

Finally, the new ordinance must exclude any reference to property value guarantees. No company will consider utility solar development in Delaware County with such a limitation. Responsible contract provisions make property value guarantees redundant, and no other industry is expected to provide them.

As citizens of Delaware County, we know you will examine your position on this community concern very carefully. We ask that you invest in our community and quality of life by voting to lift the moratorium and allow the solar ordinance to stand without property value guarantees.

Thank you for your time.