With the approval of tax incentives at its meeting on Monday, the Walker County Commission has paved the way for what is being called the largest single economic development capital investment in the county’s nearly 200-year history.
David Knight, executive director of the Walker County Economic Development Authority, referred to the venture as Project Helios, which would see solar farms built in Walker County. The capitol investment could be anywhere between $500 million to $900 million depending on the number of farms built.
“The property that is being looked at for these solar installations is all previously strip-mined property,” Knight said. “So you’re taking previously mined property and converting it into a green energy source. That is a pretty unique and interesting story moving forward.”
Tom Brinkley, an attorney Maynard Nexsen, joined Knight for the presentation to the commission. Brinkley said he represents Ingka Investments, an international company which bought 12,000 acres of unincorporated land in Walker County several years ago, with all of it being in District 2. The solar farms will take up approximately 2,500 acres if five sites are constructed. Knight and Brinkley said the company will build between three and five sites.
“There is about $5,000 a year coming into Walker County from these three sites because they are timber land. With the new investment, it would be averaging $175 million. It will be a substantial increase,” Brinkley told commission members.
Knight said construction on the project will take five to seven years, with each solar field taking approximately a year for construction, and they will be built one at a time.
“The potential sales tax generated with the construction and equipment, based on state Department of Revenue analysis, is about $7 million, which would go to the county school system,” Knight said.
Knight said once completed, the facilities could bring in an estimated total of $28 to $32 million to Walker County Schools over its 35-year life span.
Dennis Willingham, superintendent of Walker County Schools, spoke briefly at the meeting, saying this type of project could be a “game changer” for the school system.
Ringlet said the solar farms are each 80-megawatt projects with the energy being sold to Alabama Power Company.
District 2 Commissioner Jeff Burroughs said he had been in meetings about the project for a couple of months.
“This is a huge opportunity for our county,” he said. “I want to thank David Knight for the job he has done on this project and the job he has always done. I hope this commission will keep investing in our development board.
Commissioner members voted to approve the tax incentives, which will be a property tax abatement for 20 years and a sales tax abatement that will go away when construction is complete.
Reaction from state officials to the project
Several state officials, including members of the Walker County legislative delegation commented on the project, including:
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed: “Project Helios, a $525 million investment in Walker County, is an incredible economic development opportunity for our community and state. We’re expecting great potential for new job creation and an impressive economic impact through these energy projects. With this substantial investment in our community, Helios will directly benefit our local school systems and families across Walker County. I look forward to continuing to support economic growth through projects such as this in Senate District 5 and across the state of Alabama.”
District 14 Rep. Tim Wadsworth:
“I would like to thank Chairman Steve Miller and Commissioners of Walker County and David Knight and his staff at the Walker County Economic Development Authority for their work in securing the largest investment in Walker County history. Project Helios will create many jobs.”
District 13 Rep. Matt Woods:
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Walker County Commission for their business-friendly approach towards industrial development. These incentives will not only contribute to job creation, but also foster significant investment in our community. The Walker County Development Authority has displayed commendable collaboration with the commission regarding the Helios project. I am deeply appreciative of the strong partnership between these two organizations, as it will greatly benefit our community.”
Veronica Crock, senior project manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce:
“Project Helios is a great project that has been worked on for some time. As a representative of the state and Gov. Kay Ivey, we support the abatements and look forward to this project moving ahead in the future. It’s a great thing for Walker County and the State of Alabama.”
