Md. Firm Gets Waiver To Build Solar Farm

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's Public Service Commission has granted a waiver to a private firm that plans to build a $70 million solar farm on the grounds of a state prison complex.

Maryland Solar LLC Executive Vice President Jon Moore told lawmakers on Thursday that his firm got the waiver on Wednesday.

Maryland law requires an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity be filed two years before the construction of a power-generating facility. Construction must start by the end of 2011 for the company to access a federal cash-grant program set to expire by then.

The 20-megawatt project will need about 150 acres of the 250-acre site around three prisons near Hagerstown.

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