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Navajo County OKs special‑use permit for 450 MW Lake Point Solar project
Summary
After a Planning and Zoning recommendation and public discussion, the Board approved a special‑use permit for a 450 MW solar generation facility with a 450 MW battery system on roughly 7,119 acres southwest of Joseph City, subject to county conditions including a decommissioning plan and bonding.
The Navajo County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a special‑use permit for Lake Point Solar LLC to build a 450‑megawatt solar farm and a 450‑megawatt battery energy storage system on roughly 7,119 acres about four miles southwest of Joseph City.
Planning staff briefed the board on environmental and access reviews, cultural‑resource procedures and required conditions; the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval subject to 16 staff conditions. Tyler, the presenting planner, said surveys indicated minimal impact to wildlife and that the project intends to tie into existing infrastructure at Cholla via a gen‑tie line.
Alyssa Menzel, the developer with Long Road Energy, told the board the project will follow additional public‑outreach and permitting steps with the Arizona Corporation Commission and the local utility interconnection process. She confirmed the developer will submit a decommissioning plan and post a bond for removal, as required by county rules.
Board members asked about the status of projects in the interconnection queue and the decommissioning bond; staff and the applicant said utility selection (RFP responses) and ACC permitting are separate future steps. Supervisor Seymour pressed for a decommissioning bond to ensure removal if the project is abandoned; the applicant confirmed bond and decommissioning plan requirements.
The board moved, seconded and approved Resolution 43‑2024 by voice vote. Staff will review and approve the applicant's decommissioning plan and bond amount before construction permits are issued.
Sources: Planning staff presentation; applicant remarks (Alyssa Menzel); board discussion and vote.
