Bill will enable La Paz County to create hundreds of jobs and power thousands of homes
WASHINGTON – Today, Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kellyintroduced the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act, legislation to allow La Paz County, Arizona to purchase 3,400 acres of certain federal lands to further its economic development and optimize the generation of additional solar energy. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Arizona Representatives Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, and David Schweikert.
Under a previous land transfer, La Paz County made remarkable progress in creating a large solar park adjacent to the Ten West Link transmission project through central Arizona. Today’s legislation will allow La Paz County to continue this project, developing a planned 500 MW of solar capacity and up to 900 MWH of battery storage, which is enough to power about 75,000 homes. The project will create 700 construction jobs and 10 permanent positions.
“Solar developments create jobs and power Arizona homes with affordable, sustainable energy,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to enable La Paz County to continue its incredible work harnessing Arizona’s most abundant resource – the sun.”
“La Paz County is using its resources to power thousands of homes with clean, affordable energy while creating good-paying jobs,” said Senator Kelly. “By expanding this project, we’re building on that success—boosting the local economy and strengthening Arizona’s leadership in solar energy.”
“La Paz County wishes to thank Senator Gallego and Senator Kelly for reintroducing the La Paz Solar Energy and Job Creation Act. This vital legislation is key to our strategic plan for La Paz County to be home to the largest solar project in the nation, bringing new jobs and economic development to our region. The bill also represents the partnership between La Paz County and the Colorado River Indian Tribes focused on preserving tribal artifacts as development occurs. Significant progress and benefits have resulted from the first phase of this project, and this bill builds upon that opportunity,” said Supervisor Holly Irwin, La Paz County, District 3.
“Protection of CRIT cultural resources and economic development are not partisan issues, so I am grateful that Senator Gallego is joining Congressman Gosar in introducing this legislation,” said Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT). “CRIT and La Paz County are well underway on the first phase of this project, and we look forward to continuing the productive relationship in the years to come.”
You can read the full text of the legislation HERE.