County Approves ARP Agreement

The Cheyenne County Commissioners discussed an Engagement Letter with Lutz & Company for consulting services regarding American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The commissioners have discussed projects they would like to use the funds for, but sought clear definition of how the ARP funds can be used. Lutz & Company evaluate what projects can be funded by ARP dollars and provide the audit as required by the Federal government. Lutz & Company bills at a rate of $200 per hour and up, with the required audit closer to $350 per hour.

Lutz & Company did not provide a total cost estimate.

County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said the total cost would “depend on how elaborate we want to be.”

The commissioners also backed a request to back a letter of support for Adams Industries application to the Federal Railroad Association Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program.

In her presentation to the commissioners, Kim Matthews, Business Development Manager at Adams Industries, said the application is an opportunity for a low-interest loan that would be used to build out the company's on-site rail an additional 10 miles, which would increase Adams Industries' capacity to transload rail cars and intermodel containers.

“ Adams Industries will also update the aging infrastructure throughout our 900-acre facility, expand our transloading capabilities, build a new transload maintenance shop, and allow the purchase of needed rail related equipment. Adams Industries anticipates completing this work within 5 – 7 years and the improvements will result in the hiring of up to 30 more full-time positions,” she said in a follow-up. “ We are very excited that our expansion will create more economic development, more jobs, and thus more residual business opportunities in all of Cheyenne County. The Adams Industries RRIF project not only stimulates regional economic development, but it will also increase our local presence state-wide.

The commissioners also approved adopting the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approved a Special Designated Liquor License for the PNCC Event to be held near Potter. The two-day race is scheduled for September 4-5 with the beer garden by Boss City Brewing, represented at the commissioners meeting by Melissa Norgard, on Sunday.

“We're expecting a good turnout,” said B.J. Juelfs.

The commissioners also held a budget workshop when they met with each elected official and department manager to review their budget.