SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PLANS FOR A SOLAR PANEL PLANT

A Los Angeles based company has received approval from the Somerville City Council for plans to build a solar panel manufacturing facility.

RenAlt USA presented the council with a master plan for the facility and a development plan for the first phase of their project.

The company is looking to build their facility on a 95-acre property in the southeast corner of Low Wood Road and Switchback Road.

According to the Burleson County Tribune, company officials expect the first phase to bring in 150-250 new jobs.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, and be operational in 12-14 months.

The drawing for the first phase shows a 200,000 square foot, single-level facility for manufacturing and solar panel assembly.

Consultants also briefed the council regarding on-site water improvements, a lift station at the site, construction of a detention pond, plus they are also working with ATMOS Energy and Entergy on natural gas and electrical services.

The Tribune said that according to a city memo the development is contingent on the purchase of the property. One thing in RenAlt's favor is that the property is already zoned for industrial, so there would be no need to re-zone.