ENID, OK - Amid recent discussions and concerns raised by the public, the City emphasizes its commitment to transparency and adherence to established procedures, particularly concerning projects that may affect vital entities such as Vance Air Force Base (VAFB). In this statement the City attempts to address these concerns and provides clarity regarding their role in the Skeleton Creek Solar Farm project situated entirely outside the city limits.
Commitment to Vance AFB: The City highly values its relationship with Vance Air Force Base and prioritizes any potential impacts on the base's mission and safety above all else.
Consultation Process: Whenever a project has the potential to affect VAFB, the City seeks determinations from the VAFB Commander and the Department of Defense Clearinghouse regarding a project’s impact.
Validation of No Impact: In September of 2023, the City received official letters from VAFB and the Department of Defense Clearinghouse advising that the proposed solar farm project poses no significant or adverse effect on VAFB’s mission. In March 2024, VAFB revalidated that the location of the solar farm does not impact the safety of their pilots.
Project Location: It is important to note that the entire solar farm project falls outside the Enid city limits.
MAPC Authority: While the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) possesses scope and authority in the three-mile area outside the city limits and one quarter mile on either side of state and federal highways, it has limited authority to consider Use by Review requests based upon the county zoning document from 1963.
MAPC Action: The MAPC reviewed the solar farm under the Use by Review process in February 2023, but denied it due to insufficient information provided.
Legal Determination: Upon further review, the City Attorney confirmed the absence of authority for Use by Review, in areas with agriculturally zoned property outside the city limits, per the 1963 city/county document creating the MAPC.
City’s Role: The City’s authority to review site plan approvals, issue building permits, conduct inspections, and determine zoning is confined to the city limits.
Fire Protection Plan: The Enid Fire Department will assist neighboring rural fire departments, as always, with containing or extinguishing any fire that may arise. The tactics employed will be based on specific circumstances, mirroring response strategies to other fire threats in the City or County.
Contact NextEra: For inquiries regarding project plans, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Christopher Banks, the project manager at (561) 371-4508.
The City of Enid remains committed to fostering open communication and ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to our residents. More information at: www.Enid.org/skeletoncreeksolar.
