The Bertie County Work Session held on May 14, 2025, featured a significant presentation from Sunmark Solar regarding the development of an 80-megawatt solar farm. The meeting commenced with Tom Terrell, a zoning and land use attorney representing Sunmark Solar, addressing the county officials. Terrell highlighted the project's long development timeline of eight years, noting that it is located at the intersection of Morning and Water Road.

Terrell explained that the solar farm, which has been approved by the North Carolina Utility Commission, is expected to provide power to approximately 20,000 homes. He emphasized the financial benefits for local property owners, who have been receiving lease payments while continuing their agricultural activities.

The project has recently received a green light from Dominion Energy, marking a crucial step forward. However, Terrell clarified that while the project is progressing, actual construction is not expected to begin until 2027. He noted that Bertie County is unique in that it lacks zoning regulations in this area, which streamlined the approval process.

To move forward, Sunmark Solar will seek a letter from the county's planning director to acknowledge the substantial investments made in good faith reliance on the existing processes. Terrell indicated ongoing communication with county officials to facilitate this administrative step.

The meeting underscored the importance of renewable energy projects in the region and the collaborative efforts between local government and private developers to enhance energy infrastructure while supporting the local economy.