Burkburnett approves development agreement with Nymphaea Solar LLC to secure water, fire-safety investments

The Burkburnett Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a development and crossing agreement with Nymphaea Solar LLC that ties the company’s planned utility-scale solar and battery storage project to several city benefits, including water infrastructure and enhanced fire-safety measures. The board approved the agreement after a staff presentation describing the project and its public-safety and infrastructure commitments.

Staff said the developer will fund the construction of a water main extension along the I‑44 access road to serve the project and nearby property, including a 10% contingency "not to exceed $20,200," and that the city must provide water service once the line is complete and grant necessary easement approvals. The developer will also install an emergency access road, at least one hydrant, security fencing and gates, and provide no-cost fire-training for city and county departments. The agreement includes up to $25,000 in community grant funds earmarked for emergency response equipment.

"This development agreement establishes obligations between the City of Burkburnett and Nymphaea Solar LLC related to the construction and operation of a utility‑scale solar energy and battery storage project," staff said. The presentation described the site as being leased in Wichita County, primarily within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, and said the developer’s commitments will be effective upon execution of both the development agreement and any related tax-abatement agreement and would continue through project decommissioning (about 30 years as described in the presentation).

Commissioners asked about cost estimates and contingencies; staff explained the listed construction figure was an estimate and that the city must rebid construction with sealed bids, so the final contract price will come from that process. Staff also said the water main will be an 8‑inch line and that the developer will use some water for construction but not enough to strain day-to-day city supply. After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the development and crossing agreements; the motion carried unanimously.

The board’s approval authorizes staff to execute the agreements and obligates the developer to the infrastructure and safety commitments described by staff. The presentation indicated the water main must be completed by March 2027 and that further contract details and any county tax-abatement provisions are tied to separate documents and approvals.