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Worth County approves utility permits for Worthwhile Solar Farm West LLC and Worthwhile Wind LLC after discussion of land use and substation plans
Summary
Worth County supervisors approved utility permits for Worthwhile Solar Farm West LLC and Worthwhile Wind LLC, authorizing empty conduit/bored crossings for infrastructure. Supervisors discussed state approvals, an ITC substation proposal, possible tax/status changes for farmland, and uncertainty about project start dates and acreage.
Worth County supervisors approved utility permits for Worthwhile Solar Farm West LLC and Worthwhile Wind LLC during their regular meeting; the permits authorize conduit/boring work related to proposed solar and wind projects. The board voted to approve both permits after brief discussion about project status and related infrastructure.
Supervisors said the projects have progressed through state permitting and that utility hookups are in place, though local construction start dates were not specified. Officials noted an ITC substation plan near the sites remains in development and ownership of the substation will be transferred to ITC when built. The board also discussed driveway configuration concerns raised by a landowner and the need for coordination with utility planners.
The board heard that some on-the-ground activity — posts and initial field work — has occurred and that contractors have been cutting across fields to perform early site work and ground testing. Supervisors described the conduit installed to date as "empty conduit" (a nonfunctional tube placed prior to final equipment installation) and said some conduit work is located near other proposed lines.
Supervisors discussed potential land‑use and tax consequences if large portions of farmland are taken into utility use. One supervisor referenced prior legislation and county guidance sent in 2021 about how certain utility or energy site statuses affect tax treatment; specifics of any tax change or schedule were not provided in the meeting. Estimates circulating among supervisors and landowners put the potential project footprint at a wide range; one speaker said rumors put the spread "anywhere from 2 to 6" (units not specified) for some parcels, while other comments referenced much larger acreage being discussed by developers but without firm figures.
Board members asked staff to keep them informed about any formal start dates, transfers of ownership for the substation, and any formal rezoning needs; no rezoning or land‑use application decisions were made at the meeting. The board approved the two utility permits by motion and roll call (see 'Actions' below).
