Pratt County approves special‑use permit for 20‑acre battery storage site

The Pratt County Board of Commissioners on the record approved a special‑use permit allowing a 20‑acre battery storage facility in an A‑1 agricultural district and adopted Resolution No. 4‑20‑26.

Chair (speaker 1) called agenda item number 4 (case SU202602) and confirmed a quorum. Zoning administrator (speaker 4) presented the planning board’s findings, describing the applicant as “Neniska Flats Energy Storage LLC” and noting the site is surrounded by A‑1 agricultural properties, with residences within 1,000 feet in each cardinal direction. “The request is for a battery storage facility,” the zoning administrator summarized. The administrator recommended conditions including coordination with the Pratt County road supervisor for any entrances or exits, additional construction coordination through the zoning department, and five‑year updates to a decommissioning plan.

After a brief public‑comment check—staff and the applicant reported no new oral testimony—the board considered its statutory options. A commissioner moved to adopt the planning board’s findings and approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried with unanimous “aye” votes. The chair told interested parties that anyone aggrieved by the board’s final decision has 30 days, after the resolution is published, to appeal to district court.

The board and staff discussed next steps for implementation. Staff (speaker 2) said drafts of the decommissioning agreement, road‑use agreement and contribution agreement have been circulated and that decommissioning sureties and certificates of insurance will be required before construction begins. The board also instructed staff to work with the county road supervisor on any required road access changes.

The vote approved the special‑use permit and resolution; the resolution number is recorded as 4‑20‑26 and the motion was carried unanimously.