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McPherson – Week of July 30, 2025

Battery Systems Moratorium; Data Center Moratorium; Ave A Trail; New Interstate Surveillance Cameras; Old Highway 81 Repair

Greg Loving

30 Jul 2025 • 3 min read

McPherson College "car raising" - CREDIT JIM LOVING

1. County Enacts Moratorium on Battery Storage Systems, Cites Need for Study

2. Spurred by Battery Debate, County to Pursue Moratorium on Data Centers

3. City Approves KDOT Agreement to Extend Avenue A Trail

4. County Sheriff’s Office Activates New Interstate Surveillance Cameras

5. Agreement Reached for Major Repair and Closure of Old Highway 81

1. County Enacts Moratorium on Battery Storage Systems, Cites Need for Study

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The McPherson County Commission unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-13, imposing a temporary moratorium on construction of commercial battery-energy-storage systems (BESS) through January 1, 2028. Planning/Zoning/Environment Administrator John Kinsey told commissioners that utility-scale BESS units—often “the size of shipping containers” and water-cooled—are not addressed in current zoning regulations. The pause will give the planning board time to draft rules that safeguard public health, safety and welfare before accepting any applications.

2. Spurred by Battery Debate, County to Pursue Moratorium on Data Centers

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Immediately after approving the BESS moratorium, commissioners asked Kinsey to return next week with a draft resolution placing a similar pause on large commercial data-center projects. Board members said they wanted to “get ahead” of an industry that can consume vast quantities of electricity and cooling water and is not covered in the comprehensive plan.

3. City Approves KDOT Agreement to Extend Avenue A Trail

MCPHERSON - The McPherson City Commission approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for Phase 3 of the Avenue A 10-foot multi-use sidewalk project. The new segment will construct a 10-foot sidewalk on the south side of Avenue A, beginning roughly 200 feet east of Clubhouse Drive in the Deerfield Estates area and running west to Centennial Drive, where it will tie into the city’s existing trail network. KDOT is providing a Transportation Alternatives grant expected to cover up to 80 percent of the project cost, with the city responsible for the remainder, right-of-way, and utility work. The Commission’s action authorizes the mayor to sign Project Agreement No. 226-25 with the state, formalizing the partnership to complete this key pedestrian and recreational link in the city’s infrastructure.

4. County Sheriff’s Office Activates New Interstate Surveillance Cameras

MCPHERSON COUNTY - The first of five new Flock Safety license-plate-reading cameras is now operational on I-135, and “is already helping us out and producing,” the Sheriff’s Office told city leaders. Four additional units for the county—and a separate set for the city—will be installed soon to aid in tracking stolen vehicles and narcotics interdiction.

5. Agreement Reached for Major Repair and Closure of Old Highway 81

MCPHERSON COUNTY - Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Mid-America Pipeline Co., LLC (Enterprise Products) to open-cut Old Highway 81 (14th Avenue) beginning August 4. The company will sleeve the entire pipeline under the roadway, supply rock for township detours, and reimburse the county for repaving once the six-to-seven-day project is complete.