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Commissioners agree to send letters of support for Lincoln Electric Co‑op undergrounding projects
Summary
Lincoln County agreed to draft and send letters of support to congressional offices urging funding for Lincoln Electric Co‑op’s construction phase to underground nearly 14 miles of backbone line; commissioners and staff will attach maps and BNSF’s supporting letter.
Lincoln County commissioners on May 6 voted to write letters of support to congressional offices backing Lincoln Electric Co‑op’s request for federal construction funding to complete undergrounding projects paused at the construction phase.
Jacob (S5), identified in the meeting as the communications manager at Lincoln Electric, told the board the consortium/BRIC award covered design and procurement (phase 1, approximately $300,000) but the construction phase (phase 2) had been paused at the national level. He said the total project for the backbone conversion was estimated at about $7,000,000 and the construction shortfall was roughly $6,000,000. Jamie (S6), introduced by Jacob, described the work as converting nearly 14 miles of overhead backbone to underground along county roads to reduce wildfire risk and improve reliability for major customers, including rail facilities.
Lincoln Electric asked the board to draft letters of support and to forward maps and supporting materials (including a letter from BNSF). Commissioners discussed the uncertain federal budget climate and BRIC/other grant pauses but agreed it is appropriate to pursue congressional direct funding and related advocacy. Commissioner (S3) moved that the county draft letters of support to all four congressional contacts (both senators and both representatives); Commissioner (S2) seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote and directed staff to send copies to the presenters and to attach maps and the BNSF letter. Presenters asked for the letters by May 2 and offered a site tour for commissioners.
Commissioners also heard that Lincoln Electric had a separate DOE award (about $4,000,000 for another undergrounding project) that remains paused for construction but continues design and procurement work.
