Kern Board of Supervisors approve new solar project expected to generate ‘over 200 jobs’
Sep 8, 2021
The Kern County Board of Supervisors has approved a new solar power project in the county.
The 271 megawatt Raceway 2.0 Solar Project by AES will be located on 1,250 acres at 90th Street East and Avenue A in Willow Springs, the board said.
The plant will have 100 megawatts of battery storage.
“The project will generate over 200 construction jobs and provide electricity grid stability for Southern California customers, including the over 81,000 customers in Kern County while providing direct power to the East Bay Community Energy located in Alameda County,” the board said.
It will generate a one-time contribution of $ 2.3 million to the county’s general fund and $637,000 a year in property taxes.
“The board approved this project based on the Final Environmental Impact Report following 53 mitigation measures, cumulative impacts on aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, noise during construction, biological resources and wildlife risk findings,” the board said.
The Board approved about $207,000 to provide job training to Kern County residents. The program includes an agreement with California State University Bakersfield to provide computer, health care and management training.
Two programs, one with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and another with California Community Colleges, will provide paid work experience to residents in areas such as human resources and payroll services.
The Board also approved almost $385,000 to Positive Visions for Men, Bakersfield Recovery Services Inc., Garden Pathways Inc., and Minnie Marvels Sober Living for Women and Children to provide sober living programs.
“This is a vital component in combating Kern County’s homelessness crisis by ensuring residents have support when striving to make positive lifestyle changes,” the board said.
It also extended a contract for COVID-19 testing services with the Kern County Hospital Authority through the end of the year and with the Kern Valley Healthcare District through Sept. 30.