Move Will Save Taxpayer Dollars and Protect the Environment
BOISE – The Board of Ada County Commissioners signed an agreement today to sell the Barber Dam in East Boise ‘as is’ for $500,000 contingent on the purchaser obtaining transfer of the license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Barber Pool Hydro LLC is a group of local investors who signed the agreement with Ada County to purchase the Barber Dam and Hydroelectric Project with the twin goals of preserving the Barber Pool Conservation Area and producing green energy. Barber Pool Hydro is a collaborative effort amongst Mark Durcan, former CEO of Micron, Ted Sorenson, an Idaho engineer and hydropower expert, and Larry Leasure, founder and CEO of White-Leasure Development.
“The sale of Barber Dam to a local group that is committed to conservation underscores the Board of County Commissioner’s dedication to best serving the taxpayers of Ada County,” said Ada County Board Chair Kendra Kenyon. “This sale allows us to get out of managing businesses and operations that are not core to the mission of local government.”
“I am pleased that the County was able to negotiate the sale of Barber Dam. I have every confidence that the new owners will be able to effectively operate the dam for the good of the upstream Barber Pool and the downstream irrigation needs.” Patrick Malloy, Ada County Commissioner.
“Since Ada County assumed ownership of Barber Dam in 1977 it has presented past boards and the current Board with some unique challenges. This sale allows us to focus on our statutory obligations while at the same time ensuring that this beautiful area remains a protected safe haven for wildlife and fauna.” Diana Lachiondo, Ada County Commissioner.
Barber Pool Hydro sees the opportunity to acquire the Barber Dam and Hydroelectric Facility as a win/win. If successful in acquiring the facility, Barber Pool Hydro is interested in preserving and enhancing the Barber Pool Conservation Area as an asset for the residents and visitors of Ada County.
“I am personally committed to preserving this unique urban wildlife refuge, the Barber Pool Conservation Area, to be secured for future generations and preserving the natural habitat. The Barber Dam is critical in providing this important sanctuary for native wildlife and the Barber Pool Conservation Area.” H. Larry Leasure
Barber Pool Hydro also intends to ensure the success of the hydroelectric facility as an ongoing business operation to generate clean, consistent, renewable energy for the community. Barber Pool Hydro estimates that the facility will produce approximately 12,000 MWh of carbon-free energy per year, which is the equivalent of offsetting 4800 tons (or 9,600,000 lbs.) of coal. Hydropower is increasingly recognized for its reliable, consistent, carbon-free contributions to the grid – with many projects on existing water infrastructure having minimal environmental impacts.
Former Micron CEO Mark Durcan expresses the reason for his involvement as follows, “My interests are simple. I would like to see the Barber Pool preserved as a wild riparian area for the benefit of its wildlife and our community. The safe, effective, and purposeful ongoing operation of the Barber Dam is an integral part of fulfilling that vision.”
Engineer Ted Sorenson has a nearly 40 year career specializing in the hydropower industry as an engineer, owner, and operator – including many projects throughout Idaho using existing water infrastructure. His team would be primarily responsible for overseeing the repair and ongoing operations of the hydro facility. “This is a truly unique opportunity,” Sorenson said. “We can both positively impact and protect the conservation area while utilizing this existing resource to support clean energy in the future for Ada County. We are excited about exploring this opportunity with Ada County and the community.”