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.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Legislator says Illinois’ child welfare agency uses interns, has legal exposure
Economic index shows reduced uncertainty, more stability in Midwest
New law sparks debate over Illinois school mergers, communities fear loss
Joliet Plan to Barricade Millsdale Road Will Reroute Jackson Township Traffic
Trump proposes returning death penalty to D.C.
WATCH: IL Hospital Association: $50B rural hospital fund ‘woefully inadequate’
Arizona, Nevada pay less at the pump than California
EEOC celebrates 200 days of protecting religious freedom under Trump
After Initial Rejection and Tense Debate, Board Reconsiders and Approves Contested DuPage Township Business
U.S. mining operations discarding rare minerals at center of trade talks
Duffy warns states to enforce English proficiency requirements for truckers
Illinois quick hits: Chicago businesses at 10-year low; school admin survey closes soon