Local firm seeks ARC Power grant for farm automation pilot; commission asks for regional grant counsel and tables vote
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Summary
Dave Oberging of Questar Automation asked the commission to sign a letter of intent for an ARC Power Initiative grant to fund automation equipment and training for three local farms.
Dave Oberging, founder of Questar Automation, presented a proposal to the commission to seek Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Power Initiative funding for an 18‑month pilot that would provide automation equipment, training and evaluation to three farms in Hardy County.
Oberging said the county commission would act as the lead applicant and that the county would own equipment during the grant term; he said the equipment could potentially be gifted to participants after the trial period, subject to law. Commissioners asked staff to consult Melissa Earl (Region 8 director) and the county prosecuting attorney to confirm ownership rules and other legal constraints around ARC grants.
Commissioners also noted the West Virginia Grant Service Center at WVU can assist with grant writing and that using a public pass‑through structure usually requires county or public ownership of grant equipment. The commission voted to table any motion and to reach out to Melissa Earl for guidance ahead of the commission’s second meeting in September. Staff agreed to forward materials to Earl and schedule a consultation before reconsideration.
Ending: Oberging said three farms are identified (one already signed) and that the pilot aims to reduce labor burdens on small operations; commissioners supported pursuing external guidance before approving a county‑lead application.
