Lincoln County OKs one-year extension for Libby Creek water and wastewater grant

County staff told the Lincoln County Commissioners on Nov. 5 that construction on the Libby Creek Community Water and Wastewater Project is nearly complete but that final small improvements will likely extend into spring 2026, prompting a request to push the grant contract end date back one year. Staff asked the board to extend the contract term "one year from December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2026," citing remaining close-out work and weather-related constraints on late-year construction.

A commissioner moved to approve the extension; the motion was seconded and the board approved it after brief discussion about federal ARPA payout deadlines tied to the project. A member noted that, without an extension, the ARPA-funded portion would have to be paid out by the end of the year. During public comment a resident thanked the commissioners and said the ARPA and other grants were moving projects forward and that the extension would preserve funds for necessary spring work.

The extension preserves grant eligibility for a small amount of remaining construction work and allows the county and contractor to complete final items and administrative closeout in better weather. The county did not specify outstanding contract dollar amounts tied to the remaining work in the meeting record; the transcript indicates closeout is anticipated in summer 2026.