BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – The public will have the opportunity to learn the latest news on the $300 million Rich Road solar and storage project at a community open house on Thursday, July 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Roos House Athletic Center on the SUNY Canton campus.

On hand will be representatives from EDF Renewables (EDFR), including development manager Jack Honor, who will have numerous displays for public viewing and staff to answer questions.

This meeting will educate the public about the proposed project, including the anticipated application date and information regarding the future availability of local agency and community intervenor funds, said EDFR officials. Intervenor fund requests will be due within 30 days of the date the application is filed, and information about how to seek funds will be provided.

In addition, EDFR experts will provide updates on project development, studies conducted, land acquisition, conversations with state and local officials, and other consultations involving the 94-c permitting process.

Refreshments will be served.

“We plan on submitting our permit application around the end of the year,” said Honor.

Honor explained that permits are submitted to the New York Office of Renewable Energy who implement a timely consolidated review and permitting of major renewable energy facilities in a single forum that takes into consideration local laws, public health and safety, environmental, social and economic factors pertinent to the decision to permit such facilities.

In early June, EDFR received a state award that will enable a 20-year contract with NYSERDA whereby they purchase renewable energy credits and then sell to utilities.

EDFR hopes to go into commercial operation in 2025.