Yellowstone Solar Project will create jobs and tax revenue through local union labor in La Porte County 

The Yellowstone Solar Project, LLC is a proposed, large-scale renewable energy development by Hoosier Solar that will occupy approximately 300 acres of fenced land within Johnson Township in southeastern La Porte County. Beyond its role in clean energy production, the project is expected to deliver significant economic, fiscal, and environmental benefits to the Region. Once constructed, it will be the smallest utility scale solar farm in operation within at least 50 miles. 

“In construction, we only get paid when we work,” said Jim Clarida, business manager at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 531 (IBEW Local 531). “Having large-scale projects like Yellowstone allows our members to go out for a significant amount of time. Long-term projects give our members the financial security of a consistent paycheck, as well as healthcare and future retirement.” 

According to an economic impact study by Mangum Economics, submitted with the project’s county permit application, construction of the Yellowstone Solar Project will generate about $6.1 million in wages and $31.3 million in total economic output. The project’s construction provides steady work for union members throughout the build. Once complete and in operation, the project will sustain several permanent jobs, including at least two local positions, while ongoing spending will circulate through the community.  

“Each job is an opportunity for members to grow their skills and understand job duties,” said Corey Campbell, president and business manager at Laborers International Union of North American (LIUNA Local 81). “The more solar farms, the better equipped and prepared they will be for the future.”  

The project is anticipated to create a surge in specialized local union workforce, which will include electricians from IBEW Local 531 for on-site, specialized solar installation and wiring. In addition, LIUNA Local 81 expects to maintain a substantial workforce of laborers throughout the construction period. By placing priority on local workers, Yellowstone ensures the project will have a large local impact. 

“The local workers live, shop, buy homes and pay taxes here,” Clarida said. “All of the money they earn circulates locally and supports small businesses, strengthens the economy and keeps tax dollars in the community. That is why we always make sure our local people are working first before we recruit outside help.” 

With its $181 million in capital investment, the Yellowstone Solar Project is expected to contribute approximately $24.5 million in local taxes over 35 years, including tax revenue from land reassessment and capital investments. These taxes are paid by the project and not by local landowners. This revolutionary shift marks a substantial increase from the property’s current agricultural use, which generates just $11,400 annually. Once operational, the project will generate an average of $700,000 in new annual tax revenue for local schools, libraries, and infrastructure while reinvesting earnings back into the community. 

“With a project like this, our members know that their work is helping to reassure financial stability for local schools and libraries, especially when other funding sources are being reduced,” Clarida said. 

“Every solar project is an opportunity for our members to build their skills and to be prepared for the changing energy landscape,” Campbell said. “With a project of this size, we can employ more members and expand our apprenticeship programs, ensuring the next generation of electricians is trained and ready with no cost to them or to taxpayers.” 

Indiana currently ranks fourth nationally for proposed utility-scale solar capacity, with over 5,500 MW projects waiting to connect to the power grid, which is enough to power over 700,000 homes. Projects like Yellowstone anchor the state for continued expansion for needed energy to support long-term growth and increases tax revenue, job opportunities, and environmental progress. 

For more information on Hoosier Solar, you can visit hoosiersolar.com.