BLM to host public meeting on proposed parcels for solar energy development in Utah

Organization

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

BLM Office:

Cedar City Field Office

Media Contact:

Nick Howell

Cedar City, Utah — In support of the Administration’s priority to sustainably develop our energy and natural resources, the Bureau of Land Management Cedar City Field Office will host a public meeting to answer questions related to the draft environmental assessment for proposed parcels within the Milford Flats South Solar Energy Zone in Beaver County, Utah.  The meeting will be held at the Minersville School, located at 450 S. 200 W. in Minersville, UT on Thursday, May 3, from 6 to 7 p.m., MST.  

“A public meeting ensures we effectively communicate project goals and objectives as community relationships are of highest priority,” said Ahmed Mohsen, Color Country District Manager for the BLM.  “We welcome multiple use opportunities to help make public land more productive and beneficial.”

This meeting is a result of the proposal to competitively lease four parcels of public land, comprising approximately 5,564 acres, for solar energy development. Comments should be submitted during the 30-day public comment period which ends May 20, 2018

If the Milford Flats Solar Energy Zone is fully developed, it is anticipated that construction will provide at least 216 jobs and $11.2 million in income to those employed, with operations providing at least 15 jobs and $0.4 million in income. More information can be found in the 2012 Final Solar Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement:http://solareis.anl.gov/documents/fpeis/Solar_FPEIS_Volume_5.pdf

The project can be reviewed and the public can submit comments at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/home. The draft environmental assessment is also included on the site and includes maps and proposed lease stipulations.

For more information, please contact Michelle Campeau (435) 865-3047 (Cedar City Field Office) or Brandon Johnson at (801) 539-4105 (Utah State Office – Salt Lake City).

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours.  The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message or question.  Replies are provided during normal business hours.

 


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.