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Bechtel outlines 565‑MW 'Padre' solar project in San Patricio County, seeks local permits
Summary
Bechtel representatives described a two‑phase, 565‑megawatt solar project (Coppano and Port Bay), said leases are 30‑year terms with two 10‑year options, outlined permitting and road‑improvement plans and noted the site must be restored under state code at project end.
Representatives from Bechtel told San Patricio County commissioners they are preparing permitting materials for the proposed Padre (Padre) solar project, a two‑phase development the presenters said would produce roughly 565 megawatts of electricity and be constructed in northeast San Patricio County.
The presenters — identified in the agenda as Bechtel development managers — said the project is split into two phases (Coppano and Port Bay), that leases with landowners run 30 years with two 10‑year extension options, and that Bechtel is coordinating with state and federal agencies, including Texas agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for environmental permitting and with TxDOT for road access permits.
Key technical and schedule points: The presenters described an indicative schedule that would begin road improvements and earthworks “in late February/early March,” with Coppano targeted for completion by November 2027 and Port Bay by February 2028, while noting those dates may move. They said operations and maintenance would primarily use pickup trucks rather than heavy equipment.
Site restoration and regulatory limits: The presenters said state code requires restoration at the end of the project and referenced Title 6 (chapter citation given in the presentation) as the standard for site restoration. They also said they are evaluating vegetation management and fire‑safety plans and will coordinate with county staff on road use and load restrictions.
Local concerns and answers: Commissioners asked whether the project feeds the grid or specific customers; presenters said a potential owner/operator is working with a large electricity user but that details are not finalized. Commissioners also flagged wooden bridge load zones on County Road 1360/100 and asked that Bechtel coordinate road improvements and pre‑construction videoing; the presenters confirmed they will videotape roads before construction and work with county staff to maintain or improve routes used during construction.
Court action: The presentation was informational and required no court action; Bechtel said it would submit permit applications to the county and state agencies.
Next steps: Bechtel representatives requested county permitting as part of a broader regulatory review and said they will return with more specific permit packets when available.
