Photograph: St. Landry Parish residents gather around informational boards at the Yambilee Building Wednesday night to learn more about a private investment solar farm project scheduled for the Pleasance area. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Curiosity, environmental concern and economic interest prevailed Wednesday night as St. Landry Parish residents spoke to Light Source BP company officials who intend to locate a solar farm northwest of Opelousas.
The informal introductory meeting at the Yambilee Building enabled individuals to gather more information about the 900-acre project which is set to begin early in 2023, according to company officials.
Light Source BP company representatives have been in discussions for several months with the parish government administration about launching the solar farming effort, which Light Source BP representatives say will involve property lease agreements of up to 30 years in the Plaisance area.
Those who attended the meeting examined information placed on table top billboards provided by Light Source BP in addition to chatting with several company employees who answered questions about potential environmental effects, how the solar panels will be aligned on what was formerly agricultural land and the projected length of property leases.
Parish president Jessie Bellard told the Parish Council last week about the Light Source BP initiative in St. Landry.
Bellard said on Wednesday night that the Yambilee Building meeting is the first step for introducing the solar farming project to the public.
A separate solar energy project which will be located between Grand Coteau and Arnaudville, will be announced sometime later this year, said Bellard.
Bellard added that a public hearing will be held during a Parish Council meeting before the parish government agrees to a contract enabling the company to operate the solar project in St. Landry.
Parish Council members are expected to question Light Source BP representatives about potential sales tax exemptions the company may request as part of the agreement to locate in St. Landry.
State law allows companies planning to invest capital in new parish businesses to ask the parish government, School Board, Sheriff Department and Tax Assessor for sales tax exemptions.
Light Source BP project manager Jack Steele said during an interview that solar energy generated from the farms located primarily in the Plaisance area, will feed power grids owned mainly by CLECO.
The farms located in the parish Steele said, will be remotely visible and provide areas of green space. The farms will be positioned near power lines in order to facilitate the energy transfer, said Steele.
