Tucson's Airports First in AZ Solar Incentive District

Tucson's Airports First in AZ Solar Incentive District       

Tucson, Ariz. (April 17, 2012)-The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a new Renewable Energy Incentive District (REID) March 20, marking several parcels of land throughout the Tucson metro area as suitable for large-scale solar development and putting incentives in place, including expedited permit processing and fee waivers.

During the drafting of the new zoning ordinance, Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) staff worked with the County to explore whether portions of the areas surrounding Tucson International Airport (TIA) and Ryan Airfield matched the REID criteria. The result was that both properties were included in their entirety, making Tucson's airports the first in Arizona to offer solar development incentives as a consequence of the state's new improvement district bill, HB 2298.

"This district provides yet another tool to assist in our efforts to attract large-scale renewable development in and around the airport," said Mary Davis, senior director of business development and marketing for TAA.

In addition, this designation is compatible with TAA's sustainability policy, adopted in 2010 to formalize the organization's dedication to a sustainable future. Resource conservation highlights include operation of Tucson's first publicly accessible compressed natural gas fueling facility and use of an on-site photovoltaic solar panel array that helps power the parking lot payment building.

"Inclusion of both airports in the REID zoning overlay is a major step in continuing TAA's commitment to environmental sustainability," said TAA Director of Planning Jordan Feld.

 

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