Lind Town Council applies for grant to support airport repairs

During the April 24 meeting, the Lind Town Council approved a resolution supporting and authorizing the Town to submit an Airport Aid grant application to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division.

The Airport Aid grant would help the Town acquire matching funds for a Federal Management Emergency Agency (FEMA) grant to repair damaged pavement for the Lind Airport.

Mayor Paula Bell explained the estimated project funding is $137,530 and FEMA requires sponsors of airports to provide a 12.5 percent match.

WSDOT may be able to assist the Town in meeting half of the match obligation, which totals approximately $8,595.

Bell added the application requires a resolution of support from the council stipulating matching funds have been budgeted for the project.

During her Mayor’s report, Bell said she felt the Town’s Dump Day was a success despite weather conditions on April 7, which resulted in another Dump Day to be held on April 21.

She also acknowledged how Consolidated Disposal Services Inc., Josamy Blake and Rose Elkington for volunteering their time during the Dump Days.

Bell asked the Council about finding help for the Town Crew with seasonal work from May to September. The Council voted to have Substitute Clerks help the crew with the work.

Adams County Economic Development Director Stephen McFadden provided the Council with an update on the employment aspect of the Adams-Neilson Solar Project.

McFadden said there were two hiring fairs, one in Richland on April 21, which hired 26 employers, and one in Lind on April 23 that brought 85 people.

He added there will be additional hiring events, including one in Othello on May 9 and in Moses Lake, May 10-11.

McFadden explained the objective of the events to help the company find the biggest pool of qualified candidates possible for the project.

The groundbreaking for the solar farm is scheduled for May 24. Crews will likely begin minor site preparation in mid-May, then begin full construction after Lind Combine Derby in June.

As for truck traffic, McFadden said crews will transport the racking equipment first, followed by the 81,000 solar panels.

The developers are working with Adams County engineers to create a traffic route where trucks will come through access routes to Town without driving on Second Street.

The county is also working on identifying parking areas for work crews. He noted crews will work 10 hours a day, four days a week and the county has restricted they cannot work before sunrise or after sunset.

McFadden explained the solar farm will benefit the 16 taxing districts in Adams County will see increase in revenue they collect from the property taxes.

The revenue will result in additional funding for county programs, including ones held in Lind. The tax levies will continue for the project’s 35-year life span.

Another benefit from the project is work crews will be purchasing products from local businesses in town.

During Public Comment, Robert Dew asked about the potential of establishing a quiet zone for the train crossings in Lind. He said he started a petition and gathered signatures from several residents who want a quiet zone.

To begin the process, McFadden recommended the Town contact Federal Rail Administration to have a representative come to Lind and speak to the Council, and explain the process of establishing a quiet zone.