Clark County Board Approves $4.8 Million Solar Road Agreement, Weighs New State Energy Rules

November Special Board Meeting

Article Summary: The Clark County Board approved a major road use agreement for the Moonshine Solar Project, securing millions for infrastructure improvements in Johnson Township. The board also received a warning regarding a new state energy omnibus bill that may force changes to county zoning ordinances in 2026.

Moonshine Solar and Legislation Key Points:

• Infrastructure Deal: The board approved a Road Use Agreement with EDP for the Moonshine Solar Project valued at $4.8 million.

• Road Improvements: Funds will target Johnson Township roads; construction will include turnouts for traffic flow and mandatory dust control.

• Legislative Changes: A new state energy omnibus bill limits county fees and requires zoning for battery storage ordinances.

• Ordinance Updates: Officials recommended updating the county’s wind and solar ordinances in the first quarter of 2026 to comply with state law.

The Clark County Board on Thursday, November 6, 2025, voted unanimously to approve a $4.8 million Road Use Agreement (RUA) for the Moonshine Solar Project and discussed the implications of restrictive new state energy legislation.

County Highway Engineer Dallas Richardson presented the agreement with EDP, noting that it will “significantly improve the roads in Johnson Township pre and post solar farm construction.” Richardson, who worked with Andrew Keyt and EDP representatives to finalize the terms, stated he has no reservations about the project moving forward.

Addressing concerns about narrow rural roads, Richardson explained that turnouts will be constructed to assist with traffic flow, and the construction company will be required to maintain dust control. Most of the road work, starting with culvert replacements, will be performed by county employees. EDP is expected to apply for a substation and begin that phase of the work this fall.

Following the vote on the solar agreement, Chairman Rex Goble asked Andrew Keyt to brief the board on the impact of a “1000-page energy omnibus bill” passed during the state legislature’s recent veto session.

Keyt warned the board that the new law limits the fees counties can collect and impacts the timing of projects. He specifically highlighted regulations regarding battery storage facilities.

“If a County does not have zoning, then they cannot have a battery storage ordinance,” Keyt explained.

He recommended the board update its current solar and wind ordinances during the first quarter of 2026 to ensure compliance with the new state mandates.

Highway Department Purchase:
The board voted unanimously to authorize the Highway Department to purchase a 2019 Kenworth Semi-truck. The motion, introduced by Board Member Todd Kuhn and seconded by Board Member Mike Parsons, approved the purchase price of $55,323.00.

Treasurer Staffing Concern:
During the public comment section, Clark County Treasurer Kim Kannmacher addressed the board regarding personnel issues. Kannmacher expressed concern about the potential loss of one of her employees to another department and the negative impact the transfer would have on her office’s operations.

Attendance:
Board members present included Chairman Rex Goble, Randal Stephens, Susan Guinnip, Todd Kuhn, and Mike Parsons. Members Brandon Burkybile and Jim Bolin were absent. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.