A proposal for a one-megawatt solar farm on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College was rejected for a reason. IVCC Pres. Jerry Corcoran says the college is a member of the Illinois Green Economy Network and is getting a $100,000 grant to build a solar array. That’s why the college turned down the solar farm. He also says with all do respect to Oglesby Mayor Dominic Rivara, he says things are getting mixed up in the conversations that were had. He says the college would have to leave a contract with Ameren Illinois in order for the college to save the money Oglesby was offering over five years.
Oglesby Mayor Dominic Rivara also said on Monday that the college never met with city officials about the proposed project. Corcoran says they’ve not only met with city officials but also with members from the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency.
Corcoran says although the city didn’t give them a reason to make an immediate change, he appreciates the city’s interest they have in working with the college.