RENO (AP) - A large solar energy project is being proposed by Vidler Water Co. on up to 1,000 acres north of Reno.
The Washoe County Planning Commission was scheduled to consider a special use permit for the project when it met Tuesday night.
If approved by county and regional officials, a Reno newspaper reports project backers say construction could start next year and be phased in over the next 10 to 15 years.
Vidler bought the Fish Springs Ranch in 2000 for its water rights and built a pipeline to the north valleys outside Reno for development. But when the housing market collapsed, so did interest from developers in buying those water rights.
Company officials say the solar farm would help Vidler recover some of its investment in the ranch.