ODOT is asking for the public’s two cents on a solar installation at an I-205 rest area.
Because ODOT owns the rest-area land, it can legally go through with the solar array installation, with or without the public’s approval. But the agency wants to get the opinion of communities in West Linn and Oregon City before moving forward with such a large project.
“In theory they could pursue the project anyway,” said Kirsten Wyatt, assistant to West Linn’s city manager. “But that’s not the way they want to proceed. They see this project as a way to teach people about solar energy. I don’t think they would pursue it without that public support.”
The project, which would cost $20 million, could potentially create 140 to 150 jobs, some of which would be to manufacture the solar panels, which are made in Hillsboro.
Read the full story at the Daily Journal of Commerce.
