KEO, Ark. — A $600 million solar energy project set to span more than 6,000 acres across Pulaski and Lonoke counties is moving forward, but the mayor of Keo says the small city is being overlooked in the process.
The Downstream Solar Energy Center, being developed by Chicago-based Invenergy, is expected to generate 300 megawatts of power—enough to serve roughly 69,000 homes—and bring more than $55 million in tax revenue over the next 50 years through a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement. However, Keo Mayor Stephanie White says the city, located closest to the development site, is being left out of the benefits.
“There was no discussion ahead of time,” White said in an interview. “They didn’t know about this last month when I presented to them. They had no idea the project was coming.”
Solar farm proposal in Lonoke County promises millions in tax revenue as public debates
The PILOT agreement includes a 65 percent tax abatement over a 30-year period, with Invenergy receiving approval for up to $700 million in revenue bonds from Lonoke County on August 15. The bonds will help fund the development and allow the company to lease county-owned land…