Madras council approves $1 million state grant for floating solar at wastewater plant

Madras — The Madras City Council voted unanimously Jan. 14 to accept a $1,000,000 Community Renewable Energy Grant from the Oregon Department of Energy to install a floating solar array at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Public works manager Jeff (last name not specified in the transcript) told the council the floating solar system is designed to take the plant to a net‑zero electricity position and estimated an annual electric savings of about $200,000. "This is the million dollar grant, for doing the, floating solar at the wastewater plant," he said during his presentation.

Councilors asked technical and financial questions about the project’s value. Councilor Seabold summed up the council’s view, saying the proposal "definitely pencils," and moved approval. Councilor Thomas seconded the motion; the vote was unanimous.

The project will be implemented under the terms of the grant agreement; staff did not provide a construction schedule in the meeting packet but indicated public works will bring project details and any required contract awards back to council for subsequent approvals. Officials said the grant award was contingent on standard state grant terms and local compliance with procurement and construction requirements.

Why it matters: the project reduces ongoing operating costs for a major city facility and demonstrates use of state funds to cut municipal electricity spending. Public works framed the project as both a cost‑savings and resilience measure for a high‑use municipal facility.

What’s next: staff will proceed with grant paperwork and return to council with procurement and implementation steps, and a projected timetable for construction and commissioning.