County opens infrastructure RFP, hears fuels mitigation and community solar proposals

Lincoln County officials on Dec. 6 opened bids for engineering services tied to a planned Infrastructure Master Plan and heard multiple project updates and grant requests from county staff and outside partners.

Mary Crosby, the county’s grant coordinator, opened proposals for the Infrastructure Master Plan RFP and said interviews of shortlisted firms will take place in January; she invited county staff to serve on the selection committee. The RFP process will guide county capital planning and design priorities if a consultant is selected.

Patty Pringle, the county fuels mitigation coordinator, requested a letter of support and matching funds for a CoCo AIM grant; Chairman King agreed to a county match in a range from $3,500 up to $5,000 and discussed clearing dead timber at the Buford property to support mitigation work.

Jim Webb, CEO of Lower Valley Energy, presented a community solar model that customers would pay into and proposed siting panels on the Thayne landfill; he provided EPA and NREL best-practice documentation for siting photovoltaics on municipal solid waste landfills. Commissioners and representatives with Lower Valley Energy described the project as a potential showcase for the state and expressed interest in advancing feasibility work.

Sheriff Shane Johnson also briefed the commission on a Homeland Security grant agreement and the final acceptance of a COPS grant; he asked whether ARPA funds could cover equipment such as outdated iPads and was directed to submit a formal request to the treasurer and commission for consideration.

What happens next: the grant coordinator will proceed with the RFP interview schedule in January; the county will provide a letter of support and the Treasurer will work with staff to set up the match for CoCo AIM; staff and Lower Valley Energy will continue feasibility work on the community solar proposal.