Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced the Record of Decision for Aiya that approves the construction, operation and maintenance of the facility and associated infrastructure on about 900 acres of land on the Moapa Band’s reservation located about 40 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
“As our nation's renewable energy portfolio continues to grow, it is important that tribal communities have every opportunity to harness the energy of the sun and wind in a way that can power homes, businesses and economies,” said Jewell.
According to First Solar, Aiya will generate enough electricity to power about 25,000 homes and create roughly 300 construction jobs on the reservation.
The company and the tribe have proposed operation of the facility for at least 30 years, with two options to renew the lease for an additional 10 years each.
The project will help provide a long-term, diverse and viable economic revenue base and job opportunities for the Moapa Band, while assisting Nevada and neighboring states in meeting their renewable energy needs.
DOI acts as trustee for the land and resources of federally-recognized tribes, and is responsible for managing about 55 million surface acres in Indian Country.
