Prairie Brum Solar expects late‑2028 start for 180 MW Lee County project

Adam Symansky, a representative of Prairie Brum Solar, presented the company’s special‑use permit application and described the project as a 180‑megawatt solar array situated in the northeast corner of Lee County across three parcels owned by long‑time local residents. “It’s a 180 megawatt project in a Northeast corner [of] Lee County,” Symansky said, and added the applicant can supply parcel specifics and application exhibits on request.

Committee members asked for location details and a timeline. Symansky said the project’s eastern perimeter is near Steward Road, its northern boundary is in the Alva Road area, the southern edge is by Perry Road and the west by State Route 251, and the company’s point of interconnection is just northwest of the village of Steward. When asked about timing, Symansky said, “We anticipate construction in late 2028, early 2029.”

Symansky said the project footprint and a narrative are included in the special‑use application and offered to follow up with a parcel map or screenshot for committee members. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the substation location and nearby roads; the presenter reiterated he would provide additional materials to staff and individual members.

Why it matters: A 180‑megawatt facility is a substantial land use for a rural county and would involve permitting, interconnection and local landowner agreements; the committee was given an early opportunity to ask technical and siting questions before any formal zoning decision. The presenter said the three landowners live in the project footprint, which the applicant characterized as uncommon.

Next steps: The applicant offered to supply parcel‑level maps and application exhibits to committee members and staff. The county’s zoning and permitting processes and any required public hearings will determine whether the special‑use permit moves forward to a formal decision.