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Finance committee approves submission of EPA grant application for Burrick Avenue solar array
Summary
The finance committee approved submitting a U.S. EPA grant application to partially fund a proposed 1.2-megawatt-maximum solar array at 1801 Burrick Avenue; staff outlined estimated costs, matching share, and procurement implications.
The City of Wausau Finance Committee voted Tuesday to approve submitting an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a competitive grant to help pay for a proposed solar array at 1801 Burrick Avenue.
City staff told the committee the EPA program will make up to six awards nationwide and that communities the city’s size may be eligible for up to $1,200,000. Eric Lindner, a staff member who appeared at the meeting, said the project team estimates a roughly $2,000,000 build cost and expects the grant would cover a substantial portion of construction expenses.
"It's competitive nationwide," Lindner said on the record, describing the program's structure and eligibility. Committee members discussed the city's capital-improvement plan (CIP) funding and whether grant proceeds could reimburse CIP expenditures. Lindner said the grant could be used to reimburse the construction portion of costs and that the city would follow federal procurement requirements for bidding if the grant is received.
Staff said the city's 2026 budget includes $150,000 only for engineering work on the project and does not include construction funding. The committee discussed financing options including tax credits — staff noted tax credits up to 40% might be available depending on eligibility — and said the city intends to identify multiple funding sources to reduce borrowing for the municipal share.
Alder Tierney moved to approve submission of the grant application and Alder Watson seconded. The committee voted in favor by voice; the chair declared the motion carried. The item will be forwarded to the full Common Council for consideration if the grant application proceeds.
No amendments to the proposed project or fee changes were recorded in the committee discussion.
