Ground breaks on Big Muddy Solar Project north of Murphysboro

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MURPHYSBORO, Ill., (KBSI) — Construction officially began Wednesday on a major solar development north of Murphysboro, where local officials and representatives from Arevon and Big Muddy Solar gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking along Illinois 127 near Illinois Route 4.

The event was led by Jemma King, development manager at Arevon, who served as master of ceremonies. Speakers included Arevon Chief Executive Officer Kevin Smith; Jackson County Board Chairman C.J. Calandro; Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn McClerren; Regional Office of Education #30 Superintendent Matthew Hickam; Jackson Growth Alliance Chairman Brian C. Chapman, Ph.D.; and Illinois State Police Special Agent Justin Haney, who also coordinates Team Illinois Youth Police Camp.

The Big Muddy Solar Project, developed by Arevon and its local partner Big Muddy Solar, will cover hundreds of acres and is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power more than 14,000 Illinois homes once operational.

Construction, which is expected to continue into 2026, is projected to create more than 250 jobs. The project is also estimated to generate about $5.9 million in revenue for Elverado School District 196 over the life of the installation and an additional $3.1 million for Jackson County.