- Meeting Date:
- 04/28/2026
- Title:
- Public Lands Letter
- Submitted By:
- Lara Loewenheim, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Submitted for Signature:
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Background:
The Arizona State Land Department has proposed Public Auction Lease No. 03-123513, which would authorize a 30-year commercial ground lease of approximately 1,061 acres of State Trust land located east of Sierra Vista for the development of a solar generating facility with battery energy storage.
Although the statutory protest period has passed, the proposed lease raises several policy and fiscal concerns for Cochise County. Because the land would remain in state ownership under a long-term lease, it would not fully contribute to the County’s property tax base while still generating demand for County services. Additionally, the scale and duration of the proposed single-use solar project may limit future economic development opportunities, reduce land use flexibility, and create potential compatibility concerns with nearby residential areas.
The Board of Supervisors supports responsible development of State Trust lands and recognizes the State Land Department’s obligation to generate revenue for public education. However, the Board has expressed concern that the current lease structure may not represent the highest and best long-term use of the property and may limit broader economic and fiscal benefits to both the State and the County.
The attached letter formally communicates these concerns and requests that the State Land Department reconsider the proposed lease, including evaluating the feasibility of selling the parcel or reducing the lease term to preserve future flexibility.