Two solar projects that have been planned for the town of Portland for more than three years should soon begin construction.

Back in 2022, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency approved a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes agreement for a 7.5 megawatt solar project that would be divided into two halves. One was scheduled to be on Fay Street and the other on Main Street.

At that time, it was announced that the Portland Town Board had given its support for the project.

During the recent county IDA meeting, Rosie Strandburg with the county IDA said the project needed to be brought back due to a slight change with the parcels.

A new lot was added, which included a new address.

There are no changes for the tax incentives.

Strandburg said the project is now combined to be 7.25 megawatts, one will be 3.5 megawatts and the other 3.25 megawatts.

The total cost of the entire project is around $12.4 million.

Strandburg said the town is still in support of the project.

IDA attorney Milian Tyler said it’s not unusual for solar projects to be modified after getting approval for a PILOT, before construction starts. Generally the changes are minor, but officials felt this change was large enough that it warranted another public hearing and revote.

The IDA Board of Directors approved the modified plans for the solar development.

After the meeting, officials said the developer is hoping to get started this year, but is still working on obtaining the building permit with the town. If it doesn’t start soon, construction will likely begin in the spring.

The entire project is expected to take 12 months from start to finish.