Smith Township Solar Park to Receive Grant

A Washington County solar energy project will receive $350,000 in state assistance, marking another public-private partnership helping to make the region a leader in new energy production for the next generation.

The Community Networks Solar Park in Smith Township covers 2.5 acres and creates clean power for the local electric grid. Developers will receive a grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Developing diverse sources of energy for consumers is critical to preserving the environment and lowering our dependence on foreign fuel. Along with projects promoting natural gas production, solar and wind energy are all part of a new wave of cleaner power without a connection to the Middle East.

The $1.2 million project was completed while the state funding was awaiting review by the Corbett administration.

John Bevec, of Community Networks LLC, the project developer, said state investment represents an important step in the development of cleaner energy.

“Solar power is still developing and the support of forward-thinking state and local officials is critical to diversifying the state’s energy portfolio,” Bevec said.

The solar park is located on the site of a former zinc plant, and required approval from state regulators and cooperation from local officials before it could be redeveloped.

It started out with a couple of acres installing 500 solar panels and now Sunrise Energy has decided to up the ante to 4,000 panels on five acres.

“As of now it is the largest solar farm on this side of the state,” said township supervisors, Tom Schilinski and Jerry Yacoviello. “Cleaning up and reusing abandoned industrial sites is an investment in the next generation of residents.”

Editor’s Note: John Bevec is a Canonsburg resident and serves as president of council there.

All Hands on Board to Keep Planes Here  

In a letter to our U.S. Senators this week, I called the Air Force plan to remove the highly-rated personnel and equipment from western Pennsylvania “a devastating blow” to the commonwealth and the nation.

I am joining the united effort to force defense officials to reconsider the restructuring plan that calls for elimination of the 911th Airlift Wing and a reduction in capacity of the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at Pittsburgh International Airport.

 The letter states:

“It is apparent to me that the USAF did not give their restructuring effort the complete analytical wherewithal that was called for in this review process. This course of action was not thoroughly vetted.  Eliminating these planes from the 171st does not make sense for Pennsylvania, for the PA Air Guard, and it does not make sense for the USAF.”

As the Democratic chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I raised the issue this week with Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Wesley E. Craig, Jr., who agreed that, even considering cost-cutting pressure, cuts to one of the Air National Guard’s most highly rated units makes no sense.

Free Local Income Tax Help Still Available 

My next free tax-preparation session will be at my Canonsburg office from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday.

Appointments are necessary so we can fit everyone in. Please call my district office at 724-746-3762 to arrange a time.

The help is open to anyone who earned less than $50,000 in 2011, regardless of the number of persons living in their household. I’m proud to be partnering with Community Action Southwest  to offer this free, basic, online income tax filing assistance. CAS will be holding sessions across the region through April 5. I'll be hosting one again at my Washington office on March 12, and at my Canonsburg office on March 20.  

Click here to find more locations for tax help.