County Supervisors Consider Investment in Solar Project

DECORAH -- In the latest Winneshiek County Supervisors meeting, held on Monday, April 29, the Supervisors heard from representatives from Winneshiek County Recycling, Winneshiek County Development and Tourism and Luther College. Winneshiek Recycling Solar ProjectWinneshiek County is planning to invest in a solar project for the Winneshiek County Recycling Facility that could potentially save the county thousands of dollars in energy costs. Recycling Supervisor Scott Logsdon provided details about the project and its cost to the Supervisors. According to Logsdon, the project will cost around $135,000, but with a $40,000 refund, the net cost would be around $90,000. The payback period for the project is estimated to be about 8.5 years, which could be shortened by proposed increases in electrical rates. There is some uncertainty about potential rate changes and whether the energy district will accept excess power generation. However, the project aims to match current energy usage rather than generating extra power. The warranty for the solar panels is 30 years, with a predicted life expectancy well beyond that. Decorah Electric is responsible for installing the 147 panels of 450-watt VSUN modules, which could potentially generate 84,546 kilowatt-hours per year. "It's a great investment for the county, for sure," Supervisor Mark Faldet, noted suggesting that the project could be beneficial in the long-term. The Supervisors are expected to consider the proposal and make a decision in the coming weeks. Sunflower STEM ApplicationWinneshiek County Development and Tourism representative, Stephanie Fromm, outlined plans for a federal grant application. The grant will assist in acquiring science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEM) equipment for the Sunflower Child Development Center. Fromm noted that there was some worry with a sudden announcement regarding the submission deadline. "I think the trouble is the turnaround time," Fromm said. "They announced it last Wednesday, and then they had the Zoom meeting on Wednesday, and then said applications are due on the 6th. Then emailed everyone on Thursday last week and said, actually, applications are due Monday." Fromm added that she was fortunately already half done with the application by the time email had arrived anyway. In her outline, Fromm explained that the application necessitates a 55% match, with potential funding sourced from loans secured at 0% interest. If awarded, the proposed project is slated for completion within a year. The project sidesteps Davis Bacon wage requirements by prioritizing equipment acquisitions over construction endeavors. Soil Health Presentation Dr. Jodi Enos-Berlage, a professor of Biology at Luther College, provided updates on land conservation efforts during the meeting. In her presentation, the professor reflected on the enrollment of county land property in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for a tenure of 10 years. In particular emphasizing its benefits for soil, water and biodiversity. Enos-Berlage outlined how the property aligns with soil health principles and other goals, such as leveraging wildlife presence for ecological balance. She later discussed initiatives to secure grants for northeast Iowa, specifically focusing on the community engagement and collaborative research that sustains them. Many of these grants are collaborative, involving Luther College and local soil conservation districts. Students in particular have been involved in soil health research projects. Their work directly contributes to the goal of environmental stewardship. Enos-Berlage shared that students at Luther College had recently presented research projects on soil health practices. This is one shining example of academics in local soil microbiology research. In these projects, students brought soil samples back to the lab to test for their ability to produce antibiotics. This is a potentially critical study, considering that soil microbes are the primary source of over 80% of human antibiotics. She concluded her presentation by introducing several upcoming events and extending invitations to the Supervisors. The first invitation was for a performance, titled "Soul of Soil," a collaboration between herself, Professor of Dance Jane Hawley and Professor of Theatre Jeff Dintaman. The performance, scheduled at Jewell Theater, integrates science and arts, with human bodies symbolizing soil microbes while scientists conduct soil testing. The second invitation was for the inaugural Women and Soil event at the Iowa Field of Dreams in Dyersville. Scheduled for Saturday, June 8, the event will feature speakers from organizations such as the the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This event aims to raise awareness about soil health and the women who advocate for it. At the end of the presentation, Enos-Berlage produced a container which held a soil sample for the Supervisors to observe and pass around.