CLIFTON — New York State plans to repurpose formerly mined land in St. Lawrence County into one of the “largest solar projects” in the Adirondack Park. The project will create about 100 construction jobs in support of New York’s green economy. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) executed the land-lease agreement […]
CLIFTON — New York State plans to repurpose formerly mined land in St. Lawrence County into one of the “largest solar projects” in the Adirondack Park.
The project will create about 100 construction jobs in support of New York’s green economy.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) executed the land-lease agreement with Benson Mines, Inc., with support from the Town of Clifton, the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation, St. Lawrence County, and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Located on the northwest edge of the Adirondack Park, the 20-megawatt Build-Ready (BR) Benson Mines Solar project will be built on the remnants of Benson’s former iron-ore mining operation spanning about 130 acres. Once completed, the project will provide enough renewable energy to power more than 4,500 homes.
NYSERDA tells CNYBJ that it is not yet able to provide a definitive timeline, but a BR project from site identification to operation is typically two to four years. A May 25 public meeting in the town of Clifton was one of the first steps in the process, NYSERDA added.
The authority also noted that the project costs will be determined when the developer is selected through the auction process.
“The repurposing of this former mine in the Adirondack Park represents the innovative thinking that we need to put into action in order to compete in a green energy economy,” Cuomo contended in a release. “As we rebuild and reimagine our economy, projects like this will go a long way in helping us reach our renewable energy goals while creating opportunities for economic growth and fostering cleaner, healthier communities across New York.”
Beginning in the 1800s, the discovery of iron ore and its subsequent mining at Benson Mines has played a “foundational role” in the history of the towns of Clifton and Fine, and at its peak, the mine was considered the largest open-pit iron-ore mine in the world, Cuomo’s office said. It closed in the mid-1970s and is now an aggregates and timber company serving the North Country.
NYSERDA said it will work with community leaders, business partners, and regional partner agencies to explore different community-benefit options, such as payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, customized host community agreements, opportunities for workforce development and job-training programs, and offer free technical assistance along the way.
The authority adds that it will work with the town to ensure the project “complements the community’s character” and long-term planning — including development considerations for the neighboring J&L Steel site — to help create new local revenue and attract additional economic-development opportunities for the area.