OPPD reports robust community meeting on K Junction solar; zoning hearing set for Nov. 13

Representatives from Omaha Public Power District updated the York County Board of Commissioners on community engagement for the proposed K Junction solar project and county staff announced a Nov. 13 zoning meeting to consider proposed solar regulations.

Dustin Marable of OPPD (speaker 11) told commissioners the Oct. 26 community conversation in McCool Junction lasted just over two hours and drew about 100 attendees. "The meeting included a really healthy and pragmatic conversation where, really, all viewpoints were welcome," Marable said, adding that OPPD is reviewing public feedback and plans additional community interactions. He invited residents to contact OPPD staff directly or visit the project's page on oppdcommunityconnect.com.

Nathan Hines, the county zoning administrator (speaker 12 in his later role as county staff), announced that the proposed solar regulations will be considered at a Nov. 13 zoning meeting at the Holpis Convention Center; he said the zoning meeting will be open to public comment and that the zoning board will forward a recommendation to the county board ahead of its next meeting.

During public comment, Jim Jackson (speaker 7) of Hayes Township raised questions about the scale of potential solar development near rural homes and described seeing crews and aerial flights over his township. "How many million panels we're gonna have?" Jackson asked, and he urged commissioners to consider proximity to residences and farming operations. The board acknowledged those concerns and pointed to the Nov. 13 zoning meeting as the venue for more detailed public input on regulatory specifics.

The commissioners did not take a regulatory vote at the Oct. 31 meeting; they noted that the zoning board will provide a recommendation after the Nov. 13 public hearing. County staff and OPPD said they would continue outreach and provide more project and regulatory details at future meetings.