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EMA reports major grant uncertainty, generator bid submitted; commissioners approve tower-lease forms
Summary
Boyd White, EMA director, warned of likely cuts to EMPG funding, submitted a Homeland Security grant for a Libby EOC generator, reported radio-site fixes and recommended floor maintenance before housing external partner equipment; commissioners approved tower-lease agreements with MDT sites.
Lincoln County’s emergency management director, Boyd White, told commissioners on April 9 that federal and state emergency-management grant funding is uncertain and likely reduced, and briefed the board on multiple preparedness projects and communications repairs.
White said Montana DEQ’s EMPG (Emergency Management Performance Grant) funding has declined substantially in recent cycles and the county should expect a reduced award this year — he cited an expected drop of roughly 50% from last year — leaving the county with less grant support for EMA wages and the county’s CodeRED contract. As part of grant compliance White said he drafted a distribution-management plan (a FEMA/state EMPG requirement) and had it reviewed by his state representative; he requested the board release the draft for public comment prior to formal adoption.
White also reported he submitted a State Homeland Security Grant application to replace the Libby Emergency Operations Center (EOC) generator and expand its load coverage so the Ponderosa room and kitchen would be supported; the initial project/bid paperwork he cited placed the generator cost north of $110,000.
Communications and equipment: White described recent radio and equipment work — crews serviced Yak Mountain repeater batteries and charging systems (restoring service), tested the iPaws alert system during a sheriff’s-office incident, and reported sustained outreach to local contractors and partners to maintain infrastructure. He said Lincoln Electric has expressed interest in housing county equipment in exchange for storage fees and that the county needs to repair a failing floor in the Blackbe building before housing partner equipment.
Tower leases: staff presented updated tower-lease forms for King Blue and Pinkham Mountain sites (MDT sites); the board approved the standardized agreements, which were reviewed by legal, by voice vote.
Next steps: White will post the distribution-management plan for public comment, pursue generator grant procurement if awarded, obtain contractor estimates for the Blackbe building floor repairs and continue radio-site maintenance and partner discussions.
All actions were recorded by voice vote and recorded in the meeting minutes.
