Solar Developer Commits Up to $800,000 for Smith Road Improvements
February 11, 2025/Comments Off on 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.
Today Jun 4
84° 66°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
WATCH: Chicago reacts to Trump’s public safety push; AI in schools; rural health care
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop delves into the...
Will County Board Approves New Fee Schedule for Recorder of Deeds
Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a revised fee schedule for the Recorder of Deeds office, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. The changes, based on...
Illinois expands campus abortion access, shields doctors from legal risk
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed new laws expanding abortion access on public college campuses while vowing to...
Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking enforcement; health care fraud division announced
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Human trafficking enforcement Illinois State Police arrested five individuals during a human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Forsyth area of...
Nonprofit files complaints against Trump attorneys but almost no public discipline
By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Two nonprofits run by an attorney with long-time Democratic connections have been filing ethics complaints against lawyers who represented Trump officials or issues, seeking to...
Jackson Township to Hear Proposal for Manure-to-Gas Energy Facility
Article Summary: A proposal for an anaerobic digester facility that would convert hog manure into natural gas was brought to the attention of the Jackson Township Board. The project manager...
Everyday Economics: Softer tape, PCE in focus, and the Fed’s next move
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This summer, economic signals leaned softer. Hiring looks frozen, retail sales volumes are flat to slightly negative, and existing-home sales are essentially unchanged from a...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education for August 13, 2025
The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education’s August meeting marked a major milestone, as the board gave its final approval to a new collective bargaining agreement with the district's...
Marine’s mother takes on troop transport duties for family visits
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square When Army Specialist Dakota Barnes considered flying home to California for Christmas last year, she knew she couldn't afford it without giving up her yearly...
Trump plans to clean up Democrat-run cities over local objections
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump plans to clean up major U.S. cities that he says are plagued by crime. Democrats see his plans to use military troops...
Will County Board Formally Opposes Heavier, Longer Trucks on National Roadways
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on the nation's roadways. The...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for July 2025
Manhattan Park Board Meeting | July 2025 The Manhattan Park Board took a major step forward on its signature Round Barn Farm restoration project at its meeting on Thursday, July...
School Board Debates Governance Structure, Tables Decision Until November
Article Summary: The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education held a discussion on whether to overhaul its committee structure but opted to delay any decision until November, allowing time...
Energy advocate applauds oil and gas commingling updates
By Tate MillerThe Center Square Oil and gas commingling rules have been updated in accordance with the Big Beautiful Bill in order to strengthen energy production and safety, with energy...
Will County Board Approves Permits for Landscaping Business and Restaurant Liquor Service in Frankfort Area
Article SummaryThe Will County Board unanimously approved three separate special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area, allowing a landscaping operation in Green Garden Township to continue and two...