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Board approves partial PA 116 termination for Spring Creek substation; Consumers Energy says solar construction advancing
Summary
The Barry County Board of Commissioners approved a partial termination of farmland preservation (PA 116) to allow Consumers Energy to split and convey a parcel for the Spring Creek solar substation; Consumers Energy told the board the solar construction is well underway and noted security and tree planting work.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 25-28, authorizing a partial termination of a farmland development rights agreement under PA 116 to allow a parcel at Baseline Road and Banfield Road (Johnstown Township) to be split and transferred for the Spring Creek solar project.
Greg Moore, Community Affairs Manager with Consumers Energy, told the board the requested PA 116 release is necessary to allow Consumers Energy to separate part of its substation parcel and convey it to ITC for the project. “I would ask for your favorable consideration of item number 12 h, which is our PA 116 release, which will affect our substation property for the Spring Creek project,” Moore said during the public comment period.
Moore provided a construction update on the solar project: he said one site at the corner of M-37 and Hickory Road was nearly complete, more than 10,000 panels had been installed, substation work was underway (mostly underground and surface work pending the PA 116 separations), fencing and underground work were nearing completion, and thousands of trees were being planted on the county portion of the site.
County planning staff told commissioners the Planning Commission had approved the partial termination request; commissioners discussed tax implications and were told that any back taxes from the termination and conveyance would be the responsibility of the new owner (Consumers Energy/ITC).
Commissioner Campbell moved adoption of Resolution 25-28 for a partial termination of farmland development rights agreement O8-43627-123125 for parcel 08-09-033-002-00 as recommended by the Planning Commission; the motion was supported by Commissioner Hatfield and was approved by roll call.
What this means: The partial termination permits the subdivision and transfer of a portion of a PA 116-protected parcel so that substation ownership can be assigned to the appropriate project party. Consumers Energy said the physical construction of the Spring Creek solar array is progressing and on schedule, with security in place at the site.
Commissioners asked staff to confirm tax and payment details; staff said the purchaser would address any back taxes. Planning and zoning will continue to coordinate permits and related approvals as the project proceeds.
