Lyon County commissioners discussed a survey of Roads U and S near the location of the future Westar Peaking power plant, which now has the green light to build near Roads 200 and S about six miles northeast of Emporia near the company’s existing Lang Substation.
The plant will use natural gas to generate power during peak power usage times such as heavy-use summer days. Westar Energy announced in August its plans to build the plant, which would cost $333 million, in Lyon County. The plant would increase the county’s assessed valuation by more than $50 million — 24 percent of the tax revenue. The North Lyon County School District would benefit from this revenue, according to Westar. Lyon County commissioners today discussed a survey of the roads leading up to the plant. BG Consultants will be performing the survey.
County commissioners added the item to Thursday’s consent agenda. They decided to have both Roads S and U surveyed. One road will stay gravel and one road will be black-topped. That decision will be based on the survey. Road 200 has to be tested no matter what, County Engineer Chip Woods said. Heavy equipment will have to come through on Road S because of bridges on both Roads 200 and U. Those bridges can’t handle the weight of the turbines that will need to be hauled to the site.
Commissioners also discussed a proposal that came by e-mail from a former commissioner about having the county require joggers to wear reflective vests or protective clothing when jogging in the county.
“We would have to enforce that county-wide,” County Counselor Michael Halleran said. “I just don’t see how we can enforce people on the roadways wearing protective clothing.”
Halleran said it also might have to cover people walking to their mailbox.
“I just don’t know how we could draft that to have a viable ordinance,” Halleran said. “Right now, until I see more, I just don’t see how it would work.”
County Commissioner Myron VanGundy said there also is a problem with cyclists on the roadway in the county. Halleran declined to say which former commissioner e-mailed the proposal.
Other items on today’s agenda:
F Gary Eichorn, Lyon County sheriff, discussed the purchase of three assault rifles for TAC team officers and seven lights using up to $6,000 from forfeiture fund.
F Eichorn also discussed the purchase of radio for up to $4,000; jail cameras for up to $4,000; and a washing machine and wet vacuum for up to $8,500 for the jail.