BLM invites public to virtual forum for Calypte Solar Project
Event Coordinator
Event Dates
Event Description
SAFFORD, Arizona – The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual forum to share information and receive public input on a right-of-way application for a proposed solar project located within a designated solar variance area in Graham County.
The Calypte Solar Project would consist of a 685-megawatt solar energy facility and battery storage system on 6,340 acres of BLM-managed land in the Safford Field Office, Gila District, about nine miles southeast of the city of Safford, Arizona.
The virtual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 15 at 5:00 p.m. MST and is expected to last about one hour. Participants can register in advance via Zoom. BLM staff will provide a short introduction followed by a presentation from the project applicant. Members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide input on the proposal. BLM will record the meeting and post it to the BLM Arizona YouTube channel.
As part of the solar variance application process, BLM gathers information during the public input period and uses that input to determine whether to continue processing the application. If BLM continues to process a solar variance application, it is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act review process, including environmental review and additional opportunities for public involvement.
Interested parties may also submit comments until September 16, 2024, via email at blm_az_sfo_solar@blm.gov (preferred) or via mail to the BLM Safford Field Office, Attn: Ron Peru, 711 14th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546. Project information, including maps and preliminary environmental screening, is available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.