TVA Rework Of Grant Makes Pickett Schools Solar Pavilion Possible

A solar pavilion for the Pickett County School System could still be a possibility after TVA added more funding and restructured the bid process.

The school system was one of seven that received a TVA grant for construction. Director of Schools Diane Elder said the energy company plans to add all the grant winners into one bid contract to gain more appeal with contractors.

“TVA has decided to award each of the seven systems that received the grant another $100,000,” Elder said. “So that will be a total of $200,000 for seven systems, and the way we are doing the bid process it will be more enticing.”

The Board of Education paused on the project in June after the sole bid came in some $250,000 over budget. Elder said the grant funding was supposed to be spent by September 30th, but an extension is also being entertained.

“They are going to redo the specs on the building,” Elder said. “It had several pieces of very expensive lumber in it. So, they’re are trying to redo it and get it below $200,000.”

Elder said if TVA finds a contractor, the 30 by 30 foot building would be built outside the ag center building. Van Buren County is a part of the $1.4 million project as the school system received the same grant.

Also included in Pickett County’s grant was $300,000 for HVAC and LED lighting. The Board of Education approved a $153,000 bid for HVAC replacements at the K-8 school Monday.

Elder said the remaining funds would be used for the lighting, which still needs to be put out for bid.