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Lincoln County authorizes two McCook Public Power right-of-way permits; commissioners push for mapping and enforcement
Summary
The county authorized two McCook Public Power District right-of-way permits — one overhead and one direct-bury line — and commissioners urged stricter enforcement of shapefile submission and consideration of equipment to verify buried-utility depths.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners authorized two right-of-way permits requested by McCook Public Power District: one overhead line near Old Highway 83 and a direct-bury power line on East Burma Road. Jason Schultz, Lincoln County Highway Superintendent, told the board roads staff had no objections to the proposed work.
Commissioners used the discussion to press for better mapping and documentation from utilities. One commissioner warned that repeat contractors who do not provide required shapefiles promptly could be barred from future work: “Unless we get that shapefile within, like, 30 days I’m gonna vote not to allow them to do any further work,” the commissioner said. The board discussed stronger enforcement language at permitting and requiring shapefile delivery within a set timeframe.
Board members also raised concerns about verifying the burial depth of underground utilities. Jason Schultz noted that locate markings typically do not include depth information, saying locators “are not supposed to give depths by law,” which limits the department’s ability to confirm whether lines are buried to agreed depths. Commissioners discussed buying a locating sensor so road staff can verify burial depth during follow-up inspections.
The board approved permit #1 (overhead) and permit #2 (direct-bury, about 20,264 feet noted in discussion) with the associated fees (the second application’s fee was reported as $707.92, combined with the first application’s check). Road department staff will continue to receive shapefiles from some projects and the board asked staff to reinforce the shapefile requirement with permit applicants going forward.
The board instructed staff to follow up on enforcement and mapping, and to bring back suggested permit-language or administrative changes if necessary.
