Construction could start as early as next year, said Matthew Benedict, a Stewards Energy Communities AmeriCorps/VISTA volunteer with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
He explained that a local coalition in Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, and Perry counties is seeking input from residents on how they could benefit from the project. He said a community benefits agreement with the developer could help ensure funds are put toward apprenticeship readiness programs.
"We've been talking with the Laborers International Union of North America," said Benedict, "around a project labor agreement, which would help ensure local hires on the project."
He added that contributing funds to improve flood resiliency, housing affordability, and energy efficiency and weatherization are other potential avenues for BrightNight, the solar project’s developer.
The survey and more information about the coalition are online at appalachianky.org/starfire-community-coalition/.
The Foundation's Community Engagement Officer Zack Hall said he’s hopeful the solar farm would benefit both BrightNight and the counties, noting a community benefits agreement could help break the region’s cycle of extractive energy economies.
"We want to work together to make Eastern Kentucky all that we know it can be," said Hall, "and we hope that this coalition is kind of the match that ignites that."
Private and federal investment to expand renewable energy in eastern Kentucky is growing.
Last year, the utility East Kentucky Power Cooperative received around $1 billion in federal funds to build solar installations and strengthen regional grid transmission.