Duane Arnold Solar will bring jobs, investment to area

There was widespread community support for Duane Arnold IV Solar project at last week’s Iowa Utilities Commission Information Session. I’m disappointed that The Gazette’s coverage did not reflect the views of the union leaders, veterans, landowners and business community who all turned out in support of economic growth from solar development in our county.

I've been a legislator and a utility commissioner, and now I’m the Chairperson of Bright Future Iowa. Most importantly, I'm a citizen and resident of Linn County who strongly believes in solar and wind energy.

Joining me at the informational session were over 30 local construction workers with good-paying jobs who construct these solar farms. I recently toured Duane Arnold I & II with some of these workers. The projects provide 200 jobs for local engineers, ironworkers and other laborers and Phase IV will employ another 200.

Solar farms like Duane Arnold also increase property tax revenue and provide a steady income to farmers, supplementing the harsh cycles of commodity agriculture. DAS I & II will have a $259 million economic impact, and IV a $138 million.

These incredible benefits are a testament to our community's hard work and dedication. Our collective effort last year led to an updated solar ordinance that ensures our community both regulates solar farms and encourages growth. Today, we are reaping the rewards.

Swati Dandekar

Marion