State Representative Michael A. Costello filed the solar energy amendment to the House version of the economic development package, and State Senator Steven A. Baddour carried it in the Senate. The new rules would provide state reimbursement for two solar projects proposed in Salisbury.
“I filed this amendment because it will mean jobs and a significant amount of economic development for the Town of Salisbury,” Representative Costello said. “Since filing it, people building solar projects in other parts of the state have called my office to voice their support. I think that by raising the limit of the projects eligible for solar credits, we’ll see a handful of projects move forward, and that’s what we want, more renewable energy in Massachusetts.”
Jim Vaughn of True North LLC is developing a solar park on a 54-acre industrial park off Rabbit Road. He called the increase in projects eligible for solar credits an “elegant solution” and a boon to that project. Simultaneously, the Thompson Group, which is working on a $750 million project to redevelop Salisbury Beach, has proposed a 100-acre renewable energy park off Lafayette Road that would include a significant solar component. Norm Beaulieu of the Thompson Group called the economic development bill “fantastic news.”
Renewable energy projects provide significant benefits to local communities. For example, the electric output from the True North project will be sold at a discount to the Town of Salisbury and the Triton Regional School District, with resultant energy savings of approximately $50,000 per year and $75,000 per year, respectively.
“These are two major developments for The Town of Salisbury. They mean construction jobs, permanent jobs and a long-term investment in the community,” said Town Manager Neil Harrington. “I want to thank Representative Costello for writing the amendment and Senator Baddour for his arduous support.”
The economic development bill streamlines the state’s efforts around job creation and private investment. The bill provides assistance for new and existing businesses, creates regional organizations responsible for providing information about business services, reorganizes the state development agencies and seeks to control business costs.