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County to commit match to state DES floodplain grant; commissioners approve letter
Summary
Lincoln County planning staff briefed commissioners on a potential $50,000 DES grant to support floodplain work and asked the board for a signed letter committing a $10,000 match (which DES allows as in‑kind). Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the commitment request so DES can proceed with the award.
Lincoln County planning staff told the board on May 6 that the state Department of Emergency Services (DES) is prepared to provide $50,000 in direct support to the county planning department for floodplain work, and that the grant requires a $10,000 local match.
The planning staff said DES had confirmed the match may be met with in‑kind contributions and that DES might be able to reduce the cash match using other resiliency funds if the award is processed quickly. The planner noted the planning department has exceeded its estimated revenue by $17,650, which could offset any required cash portion of the match.
"It's a great start, but it's not the total answer," the planning department staff said, urging the board to supply a letter of commitment so the state can proceed with the award.
Commissioner discussion focused on how the funds would be used and whether the county would hire a contractor or use temporary in‑house staff. One commissioner said contractors can provide quick expertise but are costly; the planner said the DES funds would likely be used for mitigation projects and permitting work and that any contract management would be handled by county staff.
The chair asked for a motion to provide a signed match‑commitment letter on county letterhead confirming the county will meet the match if the award is made. A commissioner moved and another seconded the motion. The board took a voice vote and the motion passed.
The planning staff said it will seek a template from DES for the commitment language and, if none is available, draft a short letter that meets DES requirements. The board directed staff to return the commitment once prepared and to coordinate any required cash match from planning department surplus revenue.
Next steps: staff will request a template from DES, prepare the letter of commitment for the chair's signature if no template is provided, and proceed with DES as the grant application advances.
