Duff Solar Project Construction Permit Approved

The Dubois County Board of Commissioners assembled early on Monday morning after the holiday weekend for their regular meeting. Highway reports included updates on several projects that have been in development. The recently purchased mower tractors were delivered last week and are being prepared for use. The chip and seal project should be completed around Memorial Day. Planned repairs and updates to local roadways and bridges are progressing, and the jail project is making good progress with approximate 95% completion.  

A recent Dubois Strong meeting included discussions about the upcoming Jasper Market 100 Cooks Who Care program (formerly known as 100 Men Who Cook), and the Commissioners were invited to participate. The event, hosted by Old National Bank, will be held in at the Huntingburg Event Center at 6 pm on September 7 th . This year’s fundraiser, which is held semi- annually to assist local non-profits, will benefit the Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition.  

Jenny Matheis of the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission updated the Commissioners on the status of the HELP Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Award. As of April 1 st , 67 completed applications have been received. A new directive received from HUD does require a radon inspection for each property, so bids for certified inspectors will be solicited as soon as possible. The EDP Renewables project manager for the Duff Solar Park provided updated documentation requested by the Commission, and presented the application for their CSES permit. Environmental, wetlands, and wildlife impact surveys have been completed, and road use agreements have been executed as required. The approximately 35-year project is expected to generate minimal traffic and noise, with no air or water pollution. It will also contribute significantly to the tax base and financially benefit local landowners. EDP will be partnering with an Indiana-based engineering and construction firm that plans to hire locally for construction workers and contractors, which will also benefit the community. The Commissioners approved the construction permit, and EDP expects construction to begin on the solar park this year. 

 For more information on these and other updates, visit duboiscountyin.org/government 


- By Drew Hasselbring