STAR LAKE — The former Benson Mines property outside of Star Lake is on track to be repurposed into a large-scale solar farm.

According to a press release from the governor’s office a lease-option agreement for the site has been approved.

Under this agreement, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will work closely with the host communities and through New York's Clean Energy Resources and Development Incentive "Build-Ready" Program to repurpose the formerly mined land.

The site will be one of the largest solar projects in the Adirondack Park and will create approximately 100 construction jobs in support of New York's green economy.

The land-lease agreement was executed by NYSERDA with Benson Mines, Inc., with support from the Town of Clifton, the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation, St. Lawrence County, and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

Located on the north-west edge of the Adirondack Park, the approximately 20-megawatt Build Ready (BR) Benson Mines Solar project will be built on the remnants of Benson's former iron ore mining operation spanning approximately 130 acres.

Once completed, the project will provide enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 homes, said the press release from the governor’s office.

Repurposing this site is consistent with Benson Mines' long-term goals to promote sustainable industrial development, plan investments that complement but do not compete with local revitalization and create local jobs, the press release said.

Beginning in the 1800s, the discovery of iron ore and its subsequent mining at Benson Mines has played a foundational role in the Towns of Clifton and Fine's history and at its peak, the mine was considered the largest open pit iron-ore mine in the world. It closed in the mid-1970's and is now an aggregates and timber company serving the North Country.

"Partnering with NYSERDA through its Build-Ready Program is an important step in redeveloping the Benson site, while we pursue expansion of our aggregates and timber businesses and explore other projects aimed at developing our mineral resources,” Benson Mines Director Stuart Carlisle said. “Ultimately, this solar project will provide over the near-term employment opportunities and deliver cost efficient power to our region. We are grateful to the State, the County Board of Legislators and IDA for their continued support of this and other projects that are being pursued at Benson Mines."

St. Lawrence County Vice Chairman and Legislator Larry Denesha representing District 6 said, "St. Lawrence County is encouraged to see the development of solar energy projects in the Town of Clifton and the Adirondack Park. The opportunity to reinvigorate a site that could provide sustainable energy for the future allows for otherwise underutilized land to find a new purpose."

St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency CEO Patrick J. Kelly said, "The underutilized portions of the Benson property offer a mix of redevelopment opportunities, including renewable energy generation. We look forward to working with NYSERDA and local partners to ensure this project brings new investment, infrastructure development, and economic benefits to the local community while supporting the State's green energy goals."

Achieving this milestone enables the next phase of community engagement and project planning activities such as pre-application permit consultations and filing an interconnection request. Additionally, NYSERDA in collaboration with the Town of Clifton will host a public input session on May 25, 2021 to kick off broader public involvement of the project.

Those interested in staying informed on the upcoming public input session can sign up at https://on.ny.gov/3tS1O0N.

NYSERDA will work with community leaders, business partners, and regional partner agencies to explore different community benefit options, such as Payment-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes agreements, customized Host Community Agreements, opportunities for workforce development and job training programs, and offer free technical assistance along the way. NYSERDA will also collaborate closely with the Town to ensure the project complements the community's character and long-term planning, including development considerations for the neighboring J&L Steel site, to help create new local revenue and attract additional economic development opportunities to the area.

"The repurposing of this former mine in the Adirondack Park represents the innovative thinking that we need to put into action in order to compete in a green energy economy," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "As we rebuild and reimagine our economy, projects like this will go a long way in helping us reach our renewable energy goals while creating opportunities for economic growth and fostering cleaner, healthier communities across New York."