Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During a special meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, Nov. 16, the commissioners agreed to amend the county's Comprehensive Plan to change the land use on several parcels of land to Agriculture One and Agriculture Two. This was done at the request of Florida Power and Light for the possible placement of solar power panels on the land parcels. This request will be sent along to the Florida legislature for their stamp of approval. The land parcels amount to just over 1,300 acres.
“By remaining proactive in our long-term thinking, we are able to meet current demand while preparing for future growth,” said Alyssa Ten Eyck, a spokesperson for Florida Power and Light. “Solar is a cost-effective and attractive energy-generation option, and we are evaluating opportunities in Madison County. However, we are still in the initial planning phase, so nothing has been approved. We look forward to working closely with the county and community.”
“Of note, FPL’s solar projects benefit the local economy and the natural environment,” added Ten Eyck. “They are virtually silent, remotely monitored and peacefully generate zero-emissions energy, jobs during construction and tax revenue for the local community. Solar energy centers operate without water or fuel, placing little or no demand on public services, and the panels sit low to the ground and are often hidden from view behind shrubs and trees.”
In other business, the commissioners agreed to lease three dump trucks from Leasing Two, from Tampa. The terms are the same as last year's lease. The cost will be $56,000 per year. The trucks will be used by the county's road department.
The next scheduled meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. The meeting will take place in the Madison County Courthouse Annex, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.