Solar Projects Given Approval December 19, 2022 Report The Huntington County Council and Huntington County Commissioners have entered into Economic Development Agreement Contracts (EDAs) with two companies proposing to develop solar farm projects in southeast Huntington County. Maple Solar, LLC., and EDF Renewables' Paddlefish Solar projects disclosed their intentions to Council and the Commissioners earlier this month. According to documents submitted to the County, Maple Solar intends to invest approximately $45,000,000.00 to create a 35 Megawatt farm on roughly 200 acres owned by one owner in Salamonie Township. The Paddlefish Solar project intends to invest in a range between $35,000,000.00 and $50,000,000.00 to create a 50-75 Megawatt farm on approximately 500 acres owned by one owner (unrelated to Maple) also in Salamonie Township. The projects are required to comply with the County's Planning Ordinances regarding the development of solar projects. The Paddlefish project is being considered in conjunction with a much larger project in Wells County. "The Wells County Officials led the way for me to better understand the details of projects like this and I really appreciate their leadership," said Mark Wickersham, Executive Director for the Huntington County Economic Development Corporation. "Huntington County is happy to have helped the Wells County effort, creating excellent opportunities for both," Wickersham added. Both companies were approved for tax abatement subject to EDA Contracts requiring payments to the County. "The County requires significant payments under the contract, in exchange for a tax abatement," Wickersham said. The total estimated tax revenues for both projects combined, over the life of the EDA Contracts, could approach over $620,000.00 per year depending on the final investment amounts. "We are very honored these two companies intend to invest in Huntington County," said Mark Wickersham, executive director for the Huntington County Economic Development Corporation. "Our County Governmental Officials have done an excellent job working through the decision making process," Wickersham concluded.