Union County refuses to budge on solar project

Alliant Energy’s proposed amendment to their battery energy storage system likely reached a final roadblock as Union County officials refuse to budge on their standing moratorium on solar fields.

Sean Keenan, a member of resource development at Alliant, visited the Union County Board of Supervisors Wednesday to discuss the project which is nearing the start of construction in June. Alliant’s solar field to the east of Osage Street in Creston has had a proposed BESS installation approved since 2022.

The original permit allowed a 25 MW BESS storage system to be installed. Over the past few months, representatives from Alliant have requested a change in the permit to increase the storage system from 25 MW to 40.

During a meeting on April 29, the county pushed back against the amendment. County supervisors approved a moratorium in 2025 which limited the construction of new solar fields in the county. They wished to see more information on taxation before proceeding with additional projects.

Keenan discussed a few concerns brought up during the previous meeting, including plans for emergencies. Keenan met with Creston Fire Chief Todd Jackson and Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Ver Meer, developing an emergency response plan and discussing required equipment.

Ver Meer had requested a Gator-type vehicle which Alliant was considering to be a partner in purchasing.

Again, supervisors pushed forward their safety and site concerns to Alliant. Keenan said moving the BESS would be difficult, owing to the topography of the surrounding land and how groundbreaking the proposed site had already begun.

County supervisors argued the permit represented a change in scope for the project, classifying as a new project unable to be approved under the county’s moratorium. Additionally, if an amendment were to be approved, there aren’t any restrictions on requesting an additional amendment.

“So, this is 2026,” Supervisor Rick Friday said. “What’s going to keep you from coming back in 2029 and saying, ‘We had this permitted in 2022. We want to increase that again another 60%.’ You can’t keep amending that permit.”

Supervisor Dennis Hopkins opposed the purchase of a Gator-type vehicle, owing to a personal feeling of discomfort.

“No offense, a gator or other things like that just annoys the heck out of me,” Hopkins said. “I’ll just put it politely because I feel like then we’re being bought and I don’t like that personally.”

Ultimately, the county did not approve the amendment. Keenan thanked the board for their diligence and hoped additional information on the solar field would sway the supervisors when that information is available.

“I appreciate you guys giving the time over the past few months to discuss it,” Keenan said. “It’s helpful to understand ultimately where you land on the proposed increase and our ability to work with you to gain approval for that. But I appreciate you giving that some thought and taking the time to do so and discuss it with us.”

In other Union County news…

Representatives from the Iowa Primary Care Association visited the board for an informational meeting on behavioral health. Union County is a part of District 4 alongside 13 other rural counties in Southwest Iowa.

District Leader Miranda Wachter noted coverage gaps within the county due to the closing of Crossroads Behavioral Health. She described a few features Iowa PCA provides through their statewide telehealth program, including access in jails and ERs.

Iowa PCA is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Creston’s Matura office to use their space as a walk-in office two days a week. Those looking for access can call the Your Life Iowa hotline for a system navigator at 855-581-8111, text through 855-895-8398 or online at yourlifeiowa.org.

Rosecrance Jackson Centers has also opened in Creston in the last few months, working with staff and clients previously attached to Crossroads.

Union County Engineer Christian Boehmer presented pavement marking plans to the county. The plan will split the project into two halves, the west side and the east side of the county. The western half will be repainted this year and the eastern half will be repainted in 2027.

A contract was approved for a paving project on Hi and Dry Road, where 5.3 miles of road will be paved. The contract was awarded to Croell, Inc at $3.23 million.

Three hires for the county roads department were approved. Two full-time positions for operators were approved, as well as a seasonal worker.

Instead of Wednesday, June 10, for a regular meeting, the Union County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday, June 9. The change in schedule is necessary due to the board needing to approve the June 2 primary election canvassing. State law requires the canvassing to be approved by June 9. The regular meeting on Wednesday, June 3, remains unchanged.