A solar project in Northern Chautauqua County that has already been approved is being considered for tax breaks.

During the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency meeting, officials heard from Jon Rappe and Jeremy Kauffman, both with RIC Energy Development.

RIC has four solar projects in Northern Chautauqua County – two in Hanover and two in Pomfret.

This latest solar project is called “Pomfret III PV, LLC” and is a 1.4 megawatt solar farm located on about 12 acres of land at 4825 Webster Road. The parcel size is about 63.5 acres.

The project is expected to cost nearly $3 million to construct.

Kauffman said where the solar project would be placed, it would not be visible by anyone not on the property.

“You’re unable to see this project from any point of view due to how far back it is placed within the parcel, as well as the dense surrounding screening to the east, south and west, in addition to the vegetative screening that we’re going to add,” he said.

Kauffman said the property is not actively farmed.

They have been working on this project for many years. Back in 2021 they signed a land option and in 2023 secured an interconnection agreement with National Grid.

On Nov. 5, 2024 the Pomfret Town Board issued a special use permit for the project.

Kristine Morabito with the county IDA said she has had several conversations with Pomfret Supervisor Dan Pacos and he said the town board is in favor of the project, along with any possible Payment In Lieu of Taxes agreements.

Following the presentation the IDA Board of Directors approved a “due diligence” resolution, which allows the IDA to start the process of investigating if it should receive any PILOT agreements. A public hearing will also need to take place.