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Grant County backs regional grant for food‑packaging depackaging machine
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Summary
Grant County approved a letter of support for a multi‑county application to buy a machine that separates food from packaging for composting; staff said the machine and site improvements would cost about $1,000,000 and matching funds are estimated at about $250,000 plus in‑kind work.
Grant County commissioners voted to provide a letter of support for Pope‑Douglas County’s application to the state Climate Smart Food System grant to buy a food‑packaging depackaging machine and associated site work.
Environmental services staff told the board the machine’s purpose is to separate packaged food from its packaging so the organic material can be processed into compost or other organics streams. Staff said the total installed cost for the machine and pad was estimated at about $1,000,000 and that matching contributions would likely total roughly $250,000 plus in‑kind work; Pope‑Douglas asked participating counties for letters saying they support the grant application.
A commissioner asked whether the grant would be administered through pollution‑control or another county funding source; staff said the project would be coordinated with the county pollution‑control office and that cost‑share details were still being worked out. After brief discussion the board approved sending a support letter for Pope‑Douglas’ grant application.
Staff said the machine could reduce labor and costs associated with manually opening packaged food waste and increase organics tonnage to local composting operations; further budget distribution among participating counties remained to be determined if the grant is awarded.
