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
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Park Board for March 12, 2026
Early Offensive Surge Propels Lincoln-Way West Past Oswego 11-4
Lusciatti’s Sprint Sweep, Spee’s 800 Crown Propel Lincoln-Way West to Second Place at Bud Mohns Invitational
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026
On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded
Minooka Rallies in Seventh to Edge Lincoln-Way West 4-3
Late Rally Propels Lincoln-Way East Past Lincoln-Way West 8-6
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths
Illinois proposal aims to improve detection of potentially staged deaths
Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts
Analysis: Homelessness predicted to rise despite policy efforts
Bachelor’s at Illinois community colleges may widen access, affordability
