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December 9, 2015 MEMORANDUM To: Ryan Streff, City Planner, City of Arden Hills From: Josh Olson, Planning Specialist CC: Heather Worthington, Deputy County Manager, Ramsey County Jull Hutmacher, Community Development Director, City of Arden Hills Re: Proposed Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Array on Primer Tracer Area Mr. Streff: Primer Tracer Area (PTA)is an approximately 62-acre parcel owned by the US Government. The use of the Primer Tracer Area is proposed to be split by two public uses: a 5-8MW solar photovoltaic (PV) array and a state emergency management center. Ramsey County, with Xcel Energy, has identified the eastern 40 acres for development of 5-8MW solar PV array. The final size and ultimately the final configuration of the solar PV array on PTA is being determined based on an interconnection study currently underway by Xcel Energy. The power produced at the installation will go into the electric grid and could eventually provide power to residents and businesses at TCAAP. The TCAAP Joint Development Authority (JDA) authorized staff to move forward with the implementation steps identified by the Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) for a solar PV array on PTA. On October 6, 2015, the Ramsey County Board approved a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northern State Power Company (dba Xcel Energy) that establishes a framework for joint planning and development of a 5- 8 megawatt solar PV array on approximately 40 acres of the approximate 60 acre Primer Tracer Area (PTA). Ramsey County is working with General Services Administration on the purchase of the property. If Ramsey County and the US Government can agree to purchase price, it is currently anticipated that the County will acquire PTA from the US Government and will enter into a long-term ground lease with Xcel Energy for construction and operation of a solar PV array on the eastern 40 acres. The remainder of the site has been previously identified as a potential site for a State Emergency Management Center. The County would then convey ownership of up to 20 acres to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for development of the center. Background In August of 2014, the TCAAP Joint Development Authority (JDA) appointed an Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB) for the redevelopment of the TCAAP property. Over following months the ERAB worked to establish a foundation for cost effective, energy efficient alternatives and opportunities for TCAAP over the next 50 years. The ERAB presented a TCAAP Energy Policy White Paper to the Arden Hills City Council on November 24, 2014. General support for the current vision and direction of the ERAB was given. The Policy White Paper presented policy and actions that the JDA, the City of Arden Hills, and Ramsey County can consider supporting, including through the TCAAP Redevelopment Code, the County RFP process, and future city or county ordinances.