Solar Energy Project Proposed

From WKYK 940 AM:

A planned solar energy facility in Yancey County could provide more than 50 jobs for area residents if a joint effort between the county and three other counties becomes a reality. The proposed solar energy project is being developed by a Florida company on a tract of land already purchased in Pensacola. Part of the 14.7 acre location off Hwy 197-S would be used for non-reflective solar panels that would not distract from the surrounding landscape, according to Yancey County Manager Nathan Bennett who unveiled the plan to commissioners last week. The company, Nationwide Renewable Energy is working with Mayland Community College and McDowell Technical Community College to establish a certified education and jobs training program to support the solar energy business in Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and McDowell Counties. The high tech program will be based around four individual solar farms, one in each county and is estimated to cost around $65 million.

Link: http://www.wkyk.com/news.shtml