Council approves direct sale of Decatur Island parcel and right-of-way easement tied to longstanding microgrid project

San Juan County Council on Sept. 9 adopted a resolution authorizing the direct sale of part of tax parcel 152232006 on Decatur Island to formalize a solar microgrid project that has been operating on the site since about 2018.

Colin (Public Works) told the council the micro-solar project dates back about 10 years and was developed in partnership with the tribe and previous county leadership. Public Works said the microgrid has been in operation since roughly 2018 but the formal land sale and related documents were not completed. The council held a public hearing with no public testimony and then approved the resolution delegating authority to the county manager to execute necessary documents.

The council also approved a companion resolution accepting a right-of-way easement for county road purposes near Caterer Head Drive and Armitage Road (Decatur). Public Works said the easement will be conveyed in escrow as part of the sale so the county retains sufficient right-of-way for road maintenance and level-of-service needs. That resolution also delegated authority to the county manager to accept the easement on the county—s behalf.

Both measures passed by voice vote following the public hearing; no public comments were offered. The actions formalize an existing infrastructure partnership and authorize staff to finalize sale and easement documents.

The council made no changes to county policy or land use rules as part of the sale; the resolutions focus on completing a decade-old administrative transaction.