The developer behind the proposed Ripley solar farm has begun fighting back, insisting the project is safe and will benefit Chautauqua County.

The Chautauqua County Legislature at its meeting received written communication from Isaac Phillips, project developer for the South Ripley Solar Project. In the letter, Phillips noted the project represents a $350 million capital investment which will bring

The project is expected to create up to 220 construction jobs, and another two to four full-time operations and maintenance jobs.

For the local landowners, Phillips noted the project represents

According to Phillips, ConnectGen, the company behind the South Ripley Solar Project, has already paid over $600,000 for site control agreements.

he wrote.

The Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, which the project is seeking from the county Industrial Development Agency, could provide $16 million to the town of Ripley and Chautauqua County, as well as more than $4.7 million to the Sherman and Ripley school districts.

Phillips noted that the project will disturb around 1,250 to 1,500 acres of land, far less than residents complained about during last month’s legislature meeting. he wrote.

He shared that as part of the process, the solar project is consulting with multiple state and federal agencies, including the state Department of Public Service, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, state Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. These departments will Phillips wrote.

During last month’s legislature meeting, a number of residents expressed concerns about the battery storage facility that will be installed. According to Phillips,

Phillips said the site will be remotely monitored 24/7 by trained personnel to ensure no abnormalities are occurring on the system. he wrote.

Attached to Phillips’ letter was 75 letters of support for the project.

The legislature also received a letter from David Wilkinson, of Cassadaga, who is the business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 106, which has 186 wiremen, 116 who live in Chautauqua County.

he wrote. he wrote.

The legislature also received four letters from Ripley land owners who support the project and two letters in opposition.