photo by: Chris Conde

The Douglas County Courthouse is pictured in September 2018.

After multiple delays, discussion is set to resume at Wednesday’s Douglas County Commission meeting on the logistics of a solar project stretching from southeastern Douglas County into Johnson County. 

Solar giant NextEra Energy Resources is seeking temporary business permits for its proposed 3,000-acre West Gardner Solar Project. The project’s director, Billy Wilkins, has previously apprised commissioners that NextEra has signed land use agreements for much of the acreage across both counties.

In order for NextEra to proceed to the next phase, county commissioners need to green-light the Florida-based company’s request for the temporary permits. Douglas County’s portion of the project accounts for roughly 1,000 acres. NextEra is currently zeroed in on seven properties across four sections of Palmyra Township. 

The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council previously cited Palmyra Township as one of the least surveyed areas for archaeological sites in Douglas County. Due to numerous streams in close proximity to testing activity, the likelihood of encountering Native American sites and artifacts is high, according to Nicholaus Pumphrey, vice-chair of the Heritage Conservation Council. Commissioners were also made aware of the heightened potential for artifact discovery because the Santa Fe Trail is relatively close to the Palmyra Township properties.

NextEra has filed a plan with the county’s codes department outlining the procedures it plans to follow in the event of “unanticipated discoveries” of cultural resources. The plan says that a trained archaeologist will be on site during geotechnical testing activity to provide monitoring and inspection of the site prior to the activity.

NextEra and its engineering consulting firm Terracon came under scrutiny last year for conducting testing activities in the area without approval from commissioners. If granted the temporary permits, NextEra plans to resume its solar-related testing activity.

In other business, commissioners will:

• Look to lay the groundwork for expanded broadband access to underserved areas of Douglas County.

Charter Communications has notified county commissioners of its intent to apply for a program offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Broadband Development. The program provides competitive funding opportunities in the realm of broadband accessibility for homes and businesses.

Charter Communications has submitted two proposals for KDOC’s Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program — requesting a $10,000 match for each project. Both proposals target southeast Douglas County — east of U.S. Highway 56 and south of Kansas Highway 10. 

The first proposal comes with a price tag of approximately $5.2 million and will serve 783 dwelling units. The second proposal checks in at $2.93 million and will provide connectivity to an additional 374 units. If approved, commissioners will provide the $20,000 match by tapping into the General Fund reserve. 

• During a study session, hear a report on the behavioral health crisis system. This includes an overview of intensive care coordination for the Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center. 

• Hear a proposal to extend funding for DCCCA’s Peer-led Social Detox Access project through June.

Wednesday’s work session is slated for 4 p.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse, followed by the business meeting at 5:30 p.m.