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.
Mostly Cloudy then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Manhattan Police Chief Issues Warning Over Tripled Traffic Accidents, Installs New Security System
Manhattan Firefighters Extinguish Chimney Fire on South Egyptian Trail
One Dead, Two Hospitalized Following Overnight Shooting at Crete Family Party
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District for February 23, 2026
Top-Ranked Marist Stays Perfect, Overpowers Lincoln-Way West 11-5
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan School District 114 for March 11, 2026
Lincoln-Way West Powers Past Paducah Tilghman 11-2 at Boarder Wars Tournament
Phillips’ 17 Strikeouts, Power Surge Lift Carterville Past Lincoln-Way West 5-1
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Explores Land Annexation Options, Delays Lot Discussion
Manhattan School District 114 Approves Administrative Reorganization, Accepts Key Resignations
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for February 12, 2026
Lincoln-Way West Overpowers Naperville Central 19-4 in Four-Inning Rout
White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE
