An open house to discuss the Blue Jeans Solar Project in southern Knox County is slated for this Thursday from 10 to Noon at the Blue Jeans Community Center in Monroe City. It was just this past Thursday when Arevon celebrated the completion of their Pike County projects.

The Blue Jeans Solar open house will give area residents the chance to meet members of the project team and learn more about the planned development. The event takes place at the Blue Jeans Community Center, located at 1242 Main Street in Monroe City.

Meanwhile, in Pike County, Arevon recently marked the completion of two major solar projects — Ratts 1 and Heirloom. According to the Southern Indiana Business Report,  the ribbon cutting represented a nearly $400 million investment that will provide more than $86 million to local governments over the lifetime of the projects.

Local officials say the additional tax revenue will benefit schools, infrastructure, and other county services. Pike County Economic Development Director Ashley Willis noted the projects represent a transition from coal-based power generation toward a renewable energy economy. Pike County Schools Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Blake added that the new revenue stream will help replace aging infrastructure and expand educational opportunities.

Construction of the two Pike County projects created more than 200 jobs. Arevon estimates they will continue to contribute more than $1 million annually to the county’s economy through ongoing operations.