Title
Resolution to Approve a License Agreement with DTE Energy to Construct a Solar Installation at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport
Memorandum
The attached resolution approves a License Agreement with DTE Energy for the installation of a large solar array at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport. The solar installation includes an initial phase of approximately 1.1 to 1.6 megawatt (MW) and a potential second phase that may bring the total installed capacity up to 2.15 MW. The Agreement includes a site license area of approximately 14 acres (600' x 1,000') for the installation of the solar panels and equipment and a separate site access area to allow access from Ellsworth Road to the array for construction and long term maintenance purposes.
The area for this License Agreement is part of a 41 acre parcel that has been designated on the Airport Layout Plan for future non-aviation use for nearly a decade. Several sites in and around the City were evaluated by the City and DTE Energy and this site was chosen as optimal because of the close proximity to appropriate power transmission cables and ease of installation.
The term of the proposed License Agreement is for 20 years with ten (10), one year renewal options.
The project is contingent upon approval of the land release of the 41 acres by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Michigan Department of Transportation-Office of Aeronautics. The FAA must also approve the constructability of the solar project on the released land. This review includes a detailed analysis of the potential impact of solar glare on aviation activities at and around the Airport. The project is also contingent on Pittsfield Charter Township site plan approval since the Airport is located in the Township.
This project furthers several of the City's Sustainability Framework and Climate Action Plan Goals. These include: Sustainable Energy - Improve access to and increase use of renewable energy by all members of the comm...
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