County discovers electrical deficiencies at multiple facilities during FEMA generator project; engineering assessments ordered

Nelson County officials reported on June 2 that a FEMA‑funded generator replacement project encountered unexpected internal electrical deficiencies at multiple county facilities, a discovery that could require additional engineering work and possible change orders.

EMN Electrical, the project contractor, identified conditions — including undocumented and unlabeled circuits, conductor‑sizing concerns, outdated panels and automatic transfer‑switch issues — that prevent final inspection approval and limit the use of installed generators. Staff said EMN will deliver a quote for comprehensive engineering assessments that will classify recommendations into three levels: level one to achieve basic code compliance; level two to ensure full generator functionality and load sharing; and level three for long‑term reliability enhancements.

Funding and next steps: the FEMA grant originally scoped generator replacement; the county remains responsible for a 5% local match of FEMA‑eligible costs and may need to pursue amendments with FEMA for newly documented deficiencies. Staff noted seven facilities are affected and that the county has temporary generator options while assessments proceed; the county will evaluate EMN’s assessment quotes before authorizing additional work. If FEMA deems items ineligible for reimbursement, the county would be responsible for the full cost of those elements.

What the board asked: supervisors requested cost estimates and clarity on which facilities are affected; staff said they do not yet have a dollar estimate and will return once engineering quotes and scope are clearer.

"Many of the affected facilities serve critical public-safety functions," staff said, noting that assessment findings could support FEMA funding requests for unforeseen electrical remediation.