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Should the state seek local approval for solar projects at interstate exits?
Officials at the state Department of Transportation have been criticized in recent months for not seeking local input or approval for controversial solar power installations at exits off Interstate 95 in Augusta.
Local approval wasn’t required because the projects fall within the right-of-way of the state-owned highway. The 8,000 solar modules are being spread over 15 acres of the Interstate 95 rights-of-way at Exits 109 and 112 in Augusta, and are estimated to save state taxpayers more than $3.3 million over the next 20 years.
Even so, some city officials say there could have at least been some opportunity for public input, as councilors didn’t know about the work until it was visibly underway. For their part, state transportation officials acknowledge they could have communicated better about the plans.
But what do you think? Should the state seek local approval for solar projects at interstate exits? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
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