Governor announces new jobs

Posted 09/12/2009 by: Brent Ruffner, News-Bulletin

Gov. Bill Richardson announced Friday that a 160-acre solar research center will be built at Belen Alexander Airport, a initiative that is expected to create dozens of temporary and full-time jobs.

Integrative Solar LLC, which installed three concentrated solar power dishes at city hall in July, will provide the infrastructure for the solar testing and research center, or STAR, and is expected to create about 80 temporary and 40 to 50 full-time jobs.

Belen Planning and Zoning Director Andrew DiCamillo said the research center will allow solar companies from across the world to bring their prototypes to the west mesa. The testing center will set energy rating standards for solar products in hopes of attracting businesses to have solar products tested.

"The industry has determined the west mesa is a prime location for renewable energy generation," DiCamillo said.

the complete story at News-Bulletin.com