I am writing to express my support for the Vista Sands Solar Project.

The Vista Sands Solar Project creates opportunity and invests in central Wisconsin, while also producing clean energy and long-term environmental benefits for current and future generations. The proposed Project will be located on leased land, providing economic opportunity for local landowners who have decided to become voluntary participants in the Project while maintaining family ownership. It will bring a total capital investment of over $1 billion, while creating approximately 500 jobs during construction.

If built to its proposed capacity, the project will result in $6.5 million in annual payments to local governments, providing substantial investment in local services. The financial resources and economic development that Vista Sands Solar brings to the region through the utility aid dollars and other direct spending with local companies will provide a boost to the local economy and allow for additional support to schools, roads, and other vital community services.

The developers of Vista Sands Solar are also taking care to maintain the agricultural heritage of the land and to respect the wildlife that lives in and around the Project area. Approximately 6,500 acres of agricultural lands near the Buena Vista Wildlife Area will be restored to native grasslands, eliminating the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Vista Sands Solar has also committed to not constructing any panels within 500 feet of Greater Prairie-chicken leks identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and made other construction and operation commitments to help protect local wildlife.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for central Wisconsin. The economic and environmental advantages of this project make it a win-win for the state. Please join me in supporting this historic investment in our community!