Chautauqua County officials are weighing tax breaks for a newly proposed solar project in the town of Hanover.

Last week, county Industrial Development Agency heard about a 4.75-megawatt solar project to be placed at 11064 Hanover Road, Forestville, by Hanover II PV, LLC.

According to IDA business manager Kristine Morabito, the solar project would cost $6.5 million to build and would create 30 construction jobs and one half-time permanent position. She noted that the company, RIC Development, last year was approved to construct a 5-megawatt solar project located at 1317 Routes 5 & 20 in Silver Creek.

Morabito said the company is seeking a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes agreement and other tax assistance.

Ivo Tomchev with RIC Development, discussed the plans at the board meeting. He said the property is zoned agricultural and rural residential. They’re hoping to generate enough energy to power 2,500 homes. The parcel site is 168 acres and the project area will use just under 30 acres of land.

Tomchev said they have applied for a special use permit from the town of Hanover. County IDA officials said it’s their policy to not issue any PILOT agreements before towns give their approval.

Morabito said she has had conversations with Hanover officials about the project.

“At this point Town Supervisor (Todd) Johnson has indicated that the town of Hanover accepted the application and site plan, which complies with the zoning setbacks,” she said.

Morabito added that Johnson wants the county IDA to serve as lead agency for the environmental quality review, which the IDA agreed to do, saying it’s a fairly common request.

Tomchev was asked about their project once its no longer in use. He said an outside engineer will be hired to come up with a decommissioning plan and cost. Once that plan is in place, a bond will be set aside for its decommissioning.

After the Tomchev’s presentation the county IDA Board of Directors unanimously approved a due diligence resolution, which allows the IDA to start a formal investigation of the project. The resolution was passed unanimously.

The IDA will still need to give its final approval before any tax agreements can be finalized.