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,’’ Lair told commissioners, adding the firm’s 25‑year revenue model projects about $4.3 million in new revenue from additional parking, fuel sales and utility credits in that timeframe. Lair and airport staff framed the proposal as a multi-part solution: address limited electrical infrastructure, create covered solar‑generation parking stalls, and capture federal incentives. He said the project’s principal benefits would be utility bill savings for the airport, new revenue streams from parking and fuel, and potential proceeds from selling surplus power back to the grid. Lair also said the project includes work to bring power from a nearby substation and that some costs could be reduced if the local utility offers incentives or subsidies. The presentation included an ask: sign a nonbinding letter of intent so Verigee can perform site-level design and refine costs. Lair said the firm has a letter of intent ready to give to Mayor Ingram. No motion or formal county approval to sign a letter was recorded during the meeting; Lair asked commissioners to consider a workshop to review details. Commissioners and staff did not adopt a resolution or vote to commit county funds during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the airport’s recent successful Balloon Festival and high demand for parking, and county officials asked for follow-up information. Verigee’s presentation referenced the Inflation Reduction Act as the federal incentive the firm expects to use; the commission did not adopt findings or a cost estimate at the session. The airport presentation followed routine agenda business and occurred during the agenda item identified as O923‑8. Commissioners asked for more details and a workshop to review the proposal and any financing or utility negotiations before any formal county commitment. Lede: James Lair, representing the energy-services firm Verigee, proposed a $5 million package on Sept. 23 to add three‑phase power and a 35‑stall solar-covered parking structure at Monroe County Airport, saying the project could qualify for a roughly 50% Inflation Reduction Act incentive and generate new revenue for the airport. Nut graf: The pitch seeks a nonbinding letter of intent so Verigee can develop detailed costs and financing options. County officials did not vote to approve the project at the meeting; they asked for follow-up and a workshop to review technical, financial and utility questions. Ending: Verigee left a letter of intent with county leaders and asked for a workshop to refine costs and any utility partnerships; no county funds or binding commitments were approved at the Sept. 23 meeting.