The B-1B - the original B-1A project was cancelled - went into operational use in the mid-1980s but was not used in anger until December 1998, against Iraq.
"The project will create up to 1, 000 local jobs during the four-year construction phase and 100 local permanent jobs for the 20-year operational life of the project, " he said.
The capital cost and operational details of the solar project are being handled by MMA Renewable Ventures , one of a small crop of firms that has sprung up to provide financing in the super-hot solar and renewable energy markets.