Residents urge more road funding, ask questions about biomass project and community college repairs

Several residents used the April 29 public comment period to press the Board of Commissioners on local infrastructure and projects.

Resident Brian B. told commissioners he sees substantial deterioration on county and Forest Service roads, particularly at logging access points, and asked whether timber operators could be asked to contribute to road maintenance. Staff and commissioners responded that Lincoln County maintains over 2,400 miles of roads and receives limited funding through state mechanisms (fuel tax allocations and other formulas) and that historical cost‑share programs with industry have diminished over time; no new commitment to require contributions was made at the meeting.

Jonathan Jameson asked what type of energy a proposed biomass facility would provide and at what cost. Staff said the facility’s output and price would depend on the final design and any buyer arrangement; staff cautioned biomass electricity is typically much more expensive than hydroelectricity and said modular designs could allow incremental expansion. Jameson also asked about the community college building: staff said a lease has been sent to the college and an RFP for mold remediation and interior repairs will be released to secure contractors.

Commissioners thanked residents for feedback and said they will continue working on road funding discussions and project planning for biomass and the college building.