South Ripley Solar Project

Notice of Re-Submission of Water Quality Certification Request

This notice announces that, on or about May 19, 2023, ConnectGen Chautauqua County, LLC will re-file a request for a Water Quality Certificate, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting, respectively, relating to its proposed 270 megawatt solar-powered electric generation project, with a 20 MW battery storage component, to be located in the Town of Ripley, Chautauqua County, known as the South Ripley Solar Project.

The South Ripley Solar Project will Provide Long-Term Benefits to the Town of Ripley and Chautauqua County

Providing additional tax revenues of more than $800,000 annually to the Town of Ripley, totaling more than $26.8 million over its operational life. The increased annual revenue would comprise approximately 100% of the Town’s total annual property tax levy, allowing for reduced taxes for all residents of Ripley or increased spending on public services and other critically important infrastructure.

Providing additional tax revenues of more than $389,000 annually to the local school districts, which could total more than $15.5 million over the life of the project for the Sherman and Ripley School Districts.

Providing more than $190,000 annually in increased property tax revenue to Chautauqua County, totaling more than $7.8 million over the project’s life.

Providing additional revenues to the Ripley Hose Company Station 1, Ripley, and Ripley Hose Company Station 2, South Ripley, averaging more than $189,000 annually and totaling more than $5.6 million in payments over the project’s life.

Creating up to 220 family-wage construction jobs directly and supporting other jobs by increasing business activity among local hotels and motels, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, equipment rentals, materials suppliers, and similar businesses.

Paying more than $30 million to local landowners over the life of the project through annual lease payments, easement agreements, and good neighbor agreements, resulting in a consistent stream of revenue that can protect against fluctuating commodity prices and help maintain family farms.

Being an active participant in the local community by developing meaningful relationships that translate into long-term partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community members.

Show your support for the South Ripley Solar Project by signing a support letter

Why South Ripley?

ConnectGen has identified the South Ripley community for solar development because of its proximity to the existing transmission system, a compatible solar resource, and favorable site suitability with limited design constraints. The project will use the existing transmission system in Chautauqua County and will not require the construction of a new high voltage transmission line.

South Ripley Project Area

ConnectGen expects to use 1,250 to 1,500 acres to host project infrastructure, and the project will be located wholly within the town boundaries of Ripley.

ConnectGen is Committed to Siting the South Ripley Solar Project Responsibly and Safely

Below are the ways in which we will minimize potential environmental impacts of the project.

Water

Created a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, including controls for sediment and erosion to manage any stormwater discharged from the site

Wildlife

Work with state and federal agencies and stakeholders to ensure that potential environmental impacts are fully considered, minimized, and mitigated

Sound

Completed a noise impact assessment and developed mitigation measures to ensure that the project meets applicable sound limits

Visual

Completed a visual impact analysis and developed screening plans and practice to minimize the potential visual impacts

Closure

Implement financial securities that will guarantee responsible decommissioning and restoration at the end of the project’s life

Energy Independence

Locally generated clean energy that strengthens the grid through resource diversity

About ConnectGen

ConnectGen is a renewable energy company focused on developing best-in-class wind, solar, and energy storage projects that will increase America’s supply of low-cost, domestically produced clean energy.

Our Experience

With more than 20,000 MW of wind, solar and energy storage under development across the United States, ConnectGen’s experienced team has a track record of successfully identifying, developing and building renewable energy projects. Our project successes have been built on a foundation of rigorous screening and site selection, collaborative engagement with landowners and host communities, and disciplined execution through development, construction and operations. We selectively pursue projects that play to our strengths, allowing our team to bring a high degree of focus to each one.

Harvesting the Sun to Power an Economic Boon to the Town of Ripley and Chautauqua County

Connecting Power, Projects & People