Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Moratorium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Grant County public comments sharply divided as commissioners consider 6‑month solar moratorium extension
Summary
After three hours of public comment, the board heard developers and landowners both urging opposing outcomes: some speakers asked the board to let a solar moratorium expire, while others urged a six‑month extension to allow the Area Plan Commission to finish ordinance amendments and the comprehensive plan update.
During a lengthy public‑comment period Aug. 5, Grant County commissioners heard competing views on whether to extend an industrial solar moratorium.
Developer perspective: Katrina Radabush of G Nex Solar asked the board to let the moratorium expire so her company could continue development work that she said had included three years of stakeholder engagement. She told commissioners the Area Plan Commission (APC) retains the authority to amend the ordinance later if needed.
Opposition and calls for delay: Multiple residents and local commentators urged an extension. Speakers raised concerns about setbacks, drainage, land‑use impacts, the timing of elections, transparency of the APC process and the need to complete the county’s comprehensive plan and APC rule‑making before new industrial solar approvals proceed. Several speakers said the APC formed a committee but had not completed findings they expected during the moratorium.
Commissioner comment and proposed extension: Commissioner Wright delivered a long statement in favor of allowing solar proposals, arguing for property rights and noting potential tax revenue; he criticized APC and BZA conduct on prior cases. President Millsworth proposed a six‑month extension to allow APC to complete its work; commissioners agreed to discuss that course formally. The board recessed for a scheduled finance meeting after public comment and indicated more discussion would follow on next steps.
Next steps: Commissioners signaled an intent to consider a six‑month extension; the APC and county council will need to complete any ordinance revisions and appropriation advertising where applicable before any procedural change is enacted.
