Finance committee approves submission for EPA solar grant at 1801 Burrick Avenue

The City Council Finance Committee on Sept. 23 voted to authorize staff to submit a competitive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant application to support a proposed solar array at 1801 Burrick Avenue. City staff said the EPA program is awarding a limited number of national awards and that communities of the city's size may be eligible for up to $1,200,000. "For our size community up to $1,200,000," Eric Lindner said during the committee discussion. Staff estimated the total project build at about $2,000,000 and said the grant would cover a portion of construction costs if awarded. Lindner noted the city is also evaluating tax-credit options “up to 40%” and that the project team is pursuing multiple funding sources to reduce borrowing by the city. Committee members were told the 2026 budget currently includes $150,000 for engineering only and does not include a construction appropriation. Lindner said that if the city proceeds with the grant application and later receives the award, procurement would follow required federal procurement rules for projects using federal funds. A motion to approve the grant submission was made, seconded by Alder Watson and passed on a voice vote.