Grantsville Council authorizes pursuit of solar for new wastewater plant to preserve federal incentives

The Grantsville City Council on June 3 approved Resolution 2026-40 to authorize the addition of a solar energy component to the Wastewater Treatment Plant capital project and to permit the use of bond proceeds to preserve eligibility for federal incentives.

City Manager Michael Resare told the council the resolution would not commit the city to build a solar array but would allow staff to pursue grant funding and protected eligibility for direct federal payments that could reduce project costs. Solar consultant Bill Comeal presented preliminary feasibility scenarios ranging from a half-megawatt to one-megawatt installations paired with battery storage, and said "governmental entities are currently eligible for a direct federal payment equal to 30% of qualifying project costs." Comeal outlined projected annual savings of approximately $157,000 to $285,000 and estimated 20-year savings between $5.5 million and $6.9 million, with payback periods of roughly five to nine years.

Councilmembers asked about site constraints and long-term plant expansion. Councilmember Rhett Butler questioned acreage needs and potential wetland impacts; staff said adjacent city-owned property appeared sufficient and that future plant expansion is anticipated to the west and would not conflict with a potential solar area. Comeal estimated potential household savings of about $40 to $50 per year depending on the final configuration.

After discussion about preserving incentive eligibility and completing future engineering and financial studies before any construction decision, Councilmember Butler moved to approve the resolution; Councilmember Jason Thomas seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps outlined by staff include applying for grant funding and conducting engineering studies and updated financial analyses before the council would decide whether to proceed with construction.