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Hillsboro Solar Project

Lawrence County, Alabama

January 2025

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of constructing, operating, and maintaining a proposed 200-megawatt solar facility in Wheeler, AL along US-20/US-72 Alternate between Courtland and Hillsboro, AL. The Solar Facility would be constructed and operated by Hillsboro Solar, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Urban Grid. In addition to the No Action Alternative, TVA will evaluate the Action Alternative of purchasing power from the proposed Hillsboro Solar Project.

The proposed solar development would occupy approximately 1,610 acres of the 3,779-acre Project Study Area. An additional 50 acres is being planned as a species-rich native plant meadow. Required upgrades to the transmission interconnect are described in the draft EIS.

Customer demand for cleaner energy prompted TVA to release the 2022 Carbon-Free Request for Proposal (RFP) for renewable energy resources. The Hillsboro Solar PPA resulting from this RFP will help TVA meet immediate needs for additional renewable generating capacity in response to customer demands and fulfill the renewable energy goals established TVA’s 2019 IRP. The Proposed Action would provide cost-effective renewable energy consistent with the IRP and TVA goals.

Public Involvement

October 2023 – TVA published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement. The public scoping period closed on October 2, 2023. TVA received comments from two federal agencies and four private individuals which were considered in the draft EIS and are available in Appendix B of the Hillsboro Solar Scoping Report.

January 2025 – TVA invites you to comment on the draft EIS. Comments must be received or postmarked no later than March 3, 2025. Electronic comment submittals are preferred. Any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection. You can submit comments here.

February 18, 2025 – TVA will host a public meeting to answer any questions related to the proposed Hillsboro Solar Project and the draft EIS. The meeting will be held at RA Hubbard High School, 12905 Jessie Jackson Pkwy, North Courtland, AL, 35618, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM CT.

Project Schedule

(Dates are subject to change. Unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

Public Comment Period – Draft EISJanuary 17, 2025 - March 3, 2025
Final EISJune 2025
Record of DecisionJuly 2025

Related Documents

Hillsboro Solar Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Hillsboro Solar Project Notice of Intent

Hillsboro Solar Scoping Report

Contact

More information on this environmental review can be obtained from:

Elizabeth Smith
NEPA Specialist
[email protected]
865-632-3053
400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B
Knoxville, TN 37902