Accelergen Energy's proposed solar and battery project east of Cortez, about three miles north of Mesa Verde National Park: about 900 acres of solar panels generating up to 125 megawatts, plus a 62.5-megawatt battery system. Every Cortez Current story on the project, newest first.
Democrat Rebecca Busic, who said she would be proud to lose over her support for the Valley Range solar project, trailed Republican Rodney Cox 55 percent to 45 percent in Montezuma County's first count of unofficial results.
The Democratic candidate for county commissioner says opponents of the battery site are spreading misinformation. A neighboring business says it's being unfairly targeted. Republican Rodney Cox, who said last month he was "against everything" about the project, now says he won't decide until he sees the plan.
Accelergen is negotiating agreements to cover up to $75,000 if a neighbor of its proposed solar and battery park sells below market value, The Journal reports. Commissioners take up the rules for public comment on the permit Tuesday, and residents online are already asking for more than tax revenue.
The Cortez cooperative and three others would take the output of Valley Range Energy Park, a 125-megawatt solar and battery project east of Cortez that still needs a county permit. Empire's general manager says the co-op supports the permit.
Rebecca Busic and Rodney Cox took questions in Dolores on Wednesday. They meet again October 1 in Cortez.
Montezuma County says residents with questions about the latest solar facility proposal should go to the Planning Department, send written comments, or speak at the public hearing.
