Energy firm proposes $5 million solar parking, three‑phase power upgrade for Monroe County Airport

James Lair, an energy-company representative, told the Monroe County Commission on Sept. 23 that his firm, Verigee, has prepared a business case for a $5 million project at Monroe County Airport to add three‑phase electrical service, a 35‑stall covered parking structure with rooftop solar panels, and related site work. Lair said the package is designed to qualify for a 50% Inflation Reduction Act incentive, which he described as covering roughly half the cost, and to produce revenue from additional aircraft parking, fuel sales and exported electricity. The proposal matters to the county because, Lair said, the airport currently lacks industrial-grade electrical service and has a substantial wait list for parking. ‘‘We designed this project to bring three‑phase power to the airport, install the solar structure and give you the ability to park 35 more planes,’’…