Metro Lex News

Mayor Linda Gorton expressed her opposition to a proposed solar farm in Fayette County during a public comment session with the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Addressing Chairman Hatton and Commissioners Regan and Stacy, Mayor Gorton stated her objection to the construction of a commercial solar operation on prime farmland.

"As you may know, Lexington is home to a merged city-county government. As Mayor, I represent about 320,000 people throughout Fayette County in both rural and urban areas," she said.

Fayette County includes nearly 183,000 acres, with over 132,000 acres zoned for agriculture. The mayor emphasized the quality of the soil and its significance for local agriculture. "Our countryside is home to many of the world’s best thoroughbreds – I know you’ve seen the beautiful pictures – horses bring thousands of tourists to our county," she noted.

Mayor Gorton highlighted that farming contributes significantly to the local economy, attributing one in twelve jobs in Fayette County to agricultural operations. Agriculture generates an estimated $2.3 billion annually for the economy.

Lexington has taken steps to preserve its farmland through measures like enacting an urban growth boundary in 1958 and establishing a "Purchase of Development Rights" program in 2000. These efforts have protected over 31,000 acres across 285 farms.

Despite these protections, Mayor Gorton warned of new threats from East Kentucky Power Company’s proposal to build a solar facility on 388 acres of prime farmland. She criticized the company for not adequately vetting its proposal locally and conducting limited public engagement.

"Our government supports solar," Mayor Gorton stated while discussing ongoing efforts to develop solar programs without sacrificing valuable farmland. In their communications with city attorneys, East Kentucky Power Company acknowledged that their project offers no quantifiable benefits or new jobs for Fayette County.