Three Logan County union locals have formalized a workforce agreement to build a 500-megawatt solar agrivoltaic facility that Open Road Renewables plans to develop near Indian Lake. Union officials said the arrangement is set to create more than 1,100 skilled construction jobs and deliver long-term economic benefits to the community.
The project, called the Grange Solar Grazing Center, will be built by members of Labourers’ Local 1410, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 32, and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18. Jason Lautensleger, business manager of LiUNA Local 1410, said, “This Three-Trade agreement represents a strong commitment by Open Road to be a partner with the residents and visitors of Logan County. Good union jobs are the backbone of healthy communities, and Open Road takes that seriously. This agreement uplifts workers, their families, our schools and communities, and the broader local economy.”
Union representatives said they will encourage members, many of whom live and work in the area, to support the project. Lautensleger said, “We look forward to mobilizing our members to support this project.”
Company representatives said the facility, located on private property, will feature a combination of energy production and agriculture. According to Open Road, the Grange Solar Grazing Center is expected to bring in more than $200 million in new local tax revenue, including $96 million for Indian Lake Schools and an additional $10 million in direct contributions to local projects. The company said it has developed more than five gigawatts of renewable energy projects in North America.
In another statement, Mike Ruppert, business manager for IBEW Local 32, said, “Our best-in-class training programs ensure local apprentices receive invaluable on-the-job training that fosters careers in a highly skilled workforce, benefiting the entire state of Ohio. This agreement with Open Road ensures that the Grange Solar Grazing Center will meet the highest standards for environmental protection, worker safety, and construction quality, making it a project the community can be proud of.”
The three unions noted they have experience building large-scale public works and high-profile structures across the United States. Kip Siesel, business representative for IUOE Local 18, said, “The Grange Solar Grazing Center will be a state-of-the-art facility that combines critical energy supply with a growing agricultural presence for Logan County, and we’re proud to offer our support. This commitment to good union jobs with quality healthcare, retirement benefits, and strong wages is what Logan County should expect from Open Road.”
Doug Herling, vice-president of Open Road Renewables, said, “We are thrilled to reach an agreement with the three trades to demonstrate further our commitment to community benefits and creating good-paying jobs in Logan County. We want to ensure that the Grange Solar Grazing Center delivers the maximum economic impact it can for the community, and partnering with a local workforce goes a long way toward ensuring that happens.”
Officials said local stakeholders will have more opportunities to learn about the project as it advances. The unions plan to monitor its progress and engage their members in discussions around construction timelines and safety requirements.
