Grand Rapids officials are moving quickly to begin construction on the former Butterworth Landfill solar array project to secure federal tax credits before they expire.
“The big date for us is July 4th. If we get the project started, we turn dirt on the ground before July 4th of 2026, we have another three years to finish the project.”
That’s Assistant City Manager Doug Matthews speaking with Grand Rapids commissioners.
“If it’s after July 4th, it has to be done by the end of the calendar year, and that’s the reason why we want to get this in front of you so that we can make a decision.”
The tax credits enacted under the Biden administration will phase out at the end of the year as part of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. According to Matthews, those credits are needed for the solar project to be financially viable.
Mayor David LaGrand says it’s important for the city to make the switch to cleaner, renewable energy, considering the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Port Sheldon Township is being kept open and operable by the Trump administration.
“I rejoiced when there was a plan to shutter that plant. Turned out it was all a mirage. But, nonetheless, if we can build towards that plant being irrelevant, I think that’s an important value for us to lean into.”
The commission is expected to vote on the city administrator’s pick for project developer at its February 24th meeting.
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