At today’s meeting, the Board of County Commissioners awarded two bids for infrastructure projects to local companies and approved the installation of a solar photovoltaic array at the Regional Animal Services Center.

Farr Construction, located in Sparks, Nevada, was awarded the bid of $331,348 to harden up to eighteen jail cells. Each cell will include a new metal security door, replacement of the porcelain sinks and toilets with stainless steel units, and replacement of the wood bunks with steal bunks. “With the escalation of types of criminals housed in the main detention facility, located at 911 Parr Boulevard, there is a need to provide hardened units,” explains Sheriff Mike Haley. A similar project was completed in the housing unit in 2003. It is anticipated that three local jobs will be sustained by this project, which is funded from the County’s Capital Improvement Fund.

V & C Construction, located in Minden, Nevada, was awarded the bid of $268,800 to construction the Incline Way pedestrian path from Village Boulevard to Southwood Boulevard. The pedestrian path was listed as a priority under the Land Use and Transportation Section of the Tahoe Area Plan, Parks and Recreation and is funded by the Federal Transportation Equity Act with 5% local match. The asphalt path, with drainage, will allow safe pedestrian travel along Incline Way to Incline Middle School, the adjoining park, and other commercial businesses along Incline Way. It is anticipated that five jobs will created or retained in the local job market.

On a 3 to 2 vote, with Commissioners Humke and Larkin opposed pending a policy review for projects involving private entities, the Washoe County Regional Animal Services and Nevada Humane Society (NHS) facility will soon have a solar photovoltaic array installed. Nevada Humane Society applied for and received rebates from NV Energy for this project. The array system will be installed on leased land from the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and not impact land owned by Washoe County. In order for NHS to benefit from the rebates, the building electric meter will need to be placed in their name at NV Energy. This project is consistent with the energy conservation principles outlined in the Washoe County Energy and Sustainability Strategy regarding facility upgrades. For more information about the County’s Energy and Sustainability Strategy, visit: www.washoecounty.us/green

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