CloudCorp submits applications for Wind Farm funds

Two applications for a total of $200,000 in Meridian Way Wind Farm money were presented to the Cloud County board of commissioners by CloudCorp executive director Kim Reynolds on Monday.
Cloud County is expected to again receive $300,000 in wind farm money, provided by EDP Renewables, this year. Those funds are to be used to support innovative projects that enhance quality of life, prosperity and safety of the citizens in the county by creating additional educational, recreational, social, health, community development and economic opportunities for them, and for existing and new businesses.
CloudCorp has requested $175,000 in funds to support the Get in the Cloud small businesses grant program and $25,000 for an economic development tool chest that is designed to help attract, retain and expand companies in the county.
The Get in the Cloud grant program, which has awarded $934,085 to 43 projects since it was established in 2014, provides grants and mentoring support for new and existing businesses. Of those projects awarded funds, 41 have been completed, with a total of $5,392,746 in capital improvements.
The completed projects have resulted in approximately $1,092,034 in increased valuation.
Participants in the Get in the Cloud program who successfully complete the educational component and who own an existing business in the county, or are developing a business concept they intend to locate in the county, can be eligible for a one-time grant of 50 percent of the startup costs or $50,000, whichever is less, to fund eligible expenses.
Existing businesses are eligible for grants if they can show increased sales/customer base from an addition to their current facility.
CloudCorp has also requested $25,000 to support the economic development tool chest which would provide an incentive for companies to expand, grow and market the county and region.
Reynolds stated in the application for the funds that in exceedingly competitive times incentives are utilized to attract and retain those companies that might be looking to leave a particular region or state or aid existing companies in expansion and growth.
Applications for Wind Farm funds have also been submitted by the Glasco VFW Post 7697, for $2,500, and Independent Connection Inc., for $1,000.
The Glasco VFW Post is seeking funds to replace the roof on its building at a estimated cost of $8,000. The old roof is worn and in need of being replaced.
Independent Connection Inc., Salina, is seeking funds for a youth transition project with a total cost of $8,476.
The application states that the project benefits the future residents of Cloud County by educating the students of the community members. The training ensures graduating students have employment skills and know how to be active members in the community.
Cloud County Health Department administrator Brandi Bray met with the board during the meeting and reported that more COVID-19 vaccine would be arriving this week and that vaccinations are being made available to school officials in the county.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported on its  Kansas COVID-19 vaccine dashboard that 100 doses of vaccine would be provided to Cloud County this week.
Cloud County residents wanting to get on the waiting list for the vaccine should contact the Health Department.
Bray said that individuals who have been vaccinated should continue to wear a mask when in public.
Andy Asch, Highway Department administrator, met with the board and discussed the purchase of a 2019 John Deer 332G skid steer with a tree attachment at a cost of just over $85,000. It includes a 24-month/2,000 hour warrant. No decision was made.
Sheriff Ken Davis met with the board and discussed maintenance at the Law Enforcement Center.
The board approved appointing Brent Beck, Jewell County commissioner, as a member of the 12th Judicial District Community Corrections/Juvenile Services Advisory Board representing Jewell County.
It was reported to the board that the county received a check from KCAMP in the amount of $880 in recognition of it having a loss ratio under 20 percent for a four-year period ending in 2019.
The following expenses totaling $39,103.05 were approved by the board: Special Machinery and Equipment, $6,625; CARES-COVID-19 (Cloud County), $23,978.05; CDBG-VI Grant expenses, $8,500.
The following payroll expenses, totaling $166,059.19, were approved by the board:
General Fund, $86,335.51; Road & Bridge, $45,162.74; Appraisal, $5,496.97; County Health, $20,102.17; Solid Waste, $5,647.77; Noxious Weed, $1,763.96; Election, $1,550.27; Payroll Deductions and Benefits, $220,738.83.