Jasper Board Hears of Delay in Energy Project

(NEWTON POWER PLANT)

Jasper County board members learned at this month's meeting that there will be a delay in the start of a coal to solar energy project in the county.

Vistra intends to use the Newton power plant site for the project. Vistra officials had told officials during a briefing in March they planned to start construction this year. Now, Vistra said the project will be delayed until late 2024 or early 2025. Reasons for the delay appear to include the interconnection process, as well as the supply chain process and a longer lead time to receive some critical parts needed for the projects.

The Board also heard about some changes in the county's solid waste program to make the program more manageable. The hours for the Newton site will now be Saturdays from 7am to 1:30pm. Also, no commercial or contractor waste is to be disposed of in the county dumpsters provided at the highway department on Saturdays or at the township dumpsters during the week. The changes are effective July 1st. It was also reported that a new solid waste truck should be delivered at the beginning of July.

Board member Michael Geier also spoke about what he termed "misinformation" being shared about the Jasper County ambulance service by another board member and the harm that sharing misinformation could cause.