Board authorizes application for hazard‑mitigation grant to replace Porters Mountain tower generator

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution R022425-05 authorizing application for a hazard‑mitigation grant to replace the generator at the Porters Mountain Tower site.

County staff said the project would switch the site from propane to a diesel generator, which staff said offers greater fuel efficiency, higher output and longer operational life and is easier to keep running before or after severe weather. The project is included in the county's capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2026 with an estimated total cost of $50,000; county staff said if the grant is awarded the county would use 5% of the CIP allocation, or $2,500, as the local share.

"With diesel generators, they offer several advantages over propane, including greater fuel efficiency, higher power output, and longer operational lifespan," said the presenter, who said diesel also offers greater flexibility because crews can bring smaller quantities of fuel to the site when weather prevents large deliveries.

Staff also described a plan to repurpose the existing generator at Porters Mountain to provide backup power at other county sites that lack generators, such as the New London Fire Station or the central garage. A staff member estimated the existing generator at Porters Mountain is approximately 25 kilowatts.

Board members asked logistical questions about fuel storage and maintenance; staff said the generators undergo weekly test cycles and that diesel stock could be maintained to avoid fuel degradation. One board member noted interest from the public in using a generator at the Moneta Fire Department.

The motion to adopt R022425-05 passed on a roll call with affirmative votes recorded for all members present.