wichita state says solar a $38 million boost for Cherokee County budget

‍Like many rural counties, Cherokee County is facing tough choices. From fixing aging roads and bridges to keeping up with the rising cost of law enforcement salaries and safety equipment, it’s not easy to stretch limited tax dollars to cover growing needs.

But there’s good news on the horizon.

A new economic study from Wichita State University shows that the proposed Rainbow Springs Solar Project will deliver $38 million in direct payments to Cherokee County—helping fund critical services and easing the burden on local taxpayers.

According to the report from Wichita State’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, Rainbow Springs Solar will generate $38 million in new revenue for Cherokee County over the first 20 years of operation.

That includes:

County leaders can use these funds however they choose—to fix roads and bridges, support salary increases for law enforcement, purchasesafety equipment, or invest in other county priorities.At a time when costs are rising and infrastructure needscontinue to grow, this steady stream of new revenue offers real relief for local budgets.

The economic benefits of Rainbow Springs Solar go far beyond county government. The Wichita State study indicates that the project will generate nearly $532 million in economic growth during construction and an additional $50 million per year in ongoing economic activity over the next 20 years.

That means more opportunities for local businesses, and more money circulating through Cherokee County’s economy.

The solar project will hire workers, purchase materials, and rely on local vendors wherever possible. As workers spend their wages locally, Main Street businesses, from diners to hardware stores benefit too.

Rainbow Springs Solar is a 225-megawatt clean energy project planned for Cherokee County, developed by Clearway Energy, one of the largest renewable energy operators in the U.S.

Rainbow Springs Solar will help make Cherokee County stronger for generations to come. That means investing in local labor, using local vendors, supporting family farms, and delivering economic benefits that lift the entire community.

As Cherokee County leaders work to address challenges like road repair, public safety, and rising costs, projects like Rainbow Springs Solar can be part of the solution.

Learn more about how this project will deliver real, lasting economic benefits for everyone in Cherokee County.