Solar Project Could Bring 300 Jobs to Marion County
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PALMYRA, Mo. — The Marion County Commission convened Monday, Aug. 11, to discuss a range of issues including a proposed large-scale solar energy project, infrastructure upgrades, and housing support initiatives.
Routine Business Approved
The Commission approved payroll for the period of July 20 through Aug. 2, as well as the July 2025 Collector’s Report and additions and releases to the Collector’s Tax Book. A liquor license was approved for Ethans Rodeo NFP for the week of Aug. 5–11 at no charge.
County Road 143 Bridge Project Set to Begin
John Stob, construction project manager with Great River Engineering, conducted a pre-construction meeting regarding the replacement of the County Road 143 bridge over Troublesome Creek. The project involves demolishing the existing structure and building a 96-foot, single-span prestressed concrete NU-girder bridge. Work will begin immediately, with a target completion date of Dec. 1. Stob committed to providing weekly progress updates.
GO SOLAR Project Presented
Gordon Baier, CEO and co-founder of GO SOLAR, introduced an ambitious renewable energy proposal involving the construction of a 4,000-megawatt solar farm and a 1,000-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project also includes an onsite water electrolysis system to produce hydrogen and oxygen, which would then be used to manufacture ammonia for domestic use and export via the Nustar/Sunoco pipeline. Baier said the plan would bring jobs, boost local revenue, and support existing industries like BASF and CF Industries.
Marion County is one of 10 finalists under consideration for the project, which would occupy 6,000 acres and take four years to complete. Baier estimated it would create 300 long-term jobs based in the county.
Commissioner Lacey Miller raised questions about the project’s financial viability post-2027, when federal subsidies are scheduled to expire. Baier responded that the fertilizer production component ensures the project’s economic sustainability. Miller also requested details about a similar project in Lee County, Iowa, and asked for additional engagement with industry stakeholders.
Public Concerns Raised
Resident Susan Gard questioned the impact of removing farmland from production, even with the potential benefits of increased fertilizer availability. Baier responded that the ammonia byproduct could enhance fertilizer supply, offsetting the reduction in crop acreage.
County Coordinator and Courtroom Updates
County Coordinator Teya Stice reported that the county received official award notices for bridge work at Big Branch and Graupman bridges, which will be handled by Bleigh Construction. Commissioners also asked Stice to contact Martin Meyer regarding sound panel procurement for the Hannibal Courthouse courtroom, referencing similar equipment used in Palmyra.
Stice also completed paperwork for the Broiler grant and submitted it for Commission signatures.
Sales Tax Review
County Clerk Marla Meyers presented the July 2025 sales and use tax revenues. Collections were up compared to the same month last year. The Commission and Clerk agreed to continue monthly monitoring of revenue trends.
Housing Grant Support
On a motion by Presiding Commissioner J. David Lomax and seconded by Commissioner Larry Welch, the Commission unanimously approved a letter of support for the Northeast Community Action Corporation’s application for a USDA Housing Preservation Grant. The funding would support rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes in Marion County.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned until its next meeting scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, at 9:30 a.m.
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