Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements
Summit Ridge Energy, a solar farm developer, has committed to providing up to $800,000 for the engineering and construction of improvements along Smith Road, Manhattan Township officials announced Tuesday.
The significant financial contribution is part of a road use agreement negotiated between Highway Commissioner Jim Baltas and Township Attorney Cass Wennlund. The funds are intended to subsidize upgrades needed to accommodate the developer’s project.
According to the meeting minutes, the $800,000 commitment is not sufficient to cover the entire scope of the planned project, which involves widening Smith Road from Cedar Road to Kankakee Street. However, officials stated that the funds will “subsidize the majority of the project.”
The agreement provides a substantial boost to the township’s infrastructure efforts, leveraging private development to fund public road improvements. Details regarding the timeline for the Smith Road project and how the township will cover the remaining costs have not yet been announced.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Jackson Township Board Notified of Proposal for 800-Acre Data Center
JJC Board Censures Trustee Broderick Twice, Denies Request to Restore Good Standing
Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate
Green Garden’s Wildflower Farm Granted Second Extension for Rural Events Permit
Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Regional Office of Education Highlights School Safety, New Learning Programs in Update
New Lenox Solar Farm Proposal Advances with Conditions, Following Village and Forest Preserve Input
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for October 16, 2025
Will County Board Approves New 30 MPH Speed Limit for Frankfort Township Road
Will County Committee Grapples with $8.9 Million Budget Gap After Contentious 0% Tax Levy Vote
Frankfort Township Board Objects, but County Commission Recommends Bar with Video Gaming
