June 3, 2025
Vernon County is pleased to announce it received a $255,514 grant to install new emergency backup power generators at three critical county facilities. This grant is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and administered by Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM).
The grant funds will allow the county to install a new generator at Vernon Manor, one at the Erlandson Building, and one to serve the Courthouse Annex, and Banta Buildings. The current generators at these sites were installed in 2000 and have exceeded their useful lifespan. These critical facilities rely on emergency backup power to remain operational during a power outage caused by extreme weather events and other uncontrollable conditions. In addition to reducing the risk of operational failure, the new generators will offer more fuelefficiency and reduce the need for repairs, both of which will result in cost savings for the county.
Vernon Manor is a county-owned nursing home that serves up to 80 residents. A reliable generator ensures residents, many of whom have limited mobility and rely on medical equipment, can stay in the facility in the event of a power outage. The generator at the Erlandson Building will allow services to continue in our Public Health, Human Services, and Zoning and Sanitation departments, and protect vaccines and water lab samples that many of our residents and businesses rely on. The Courthouse, Annex, and Banta Buildings rely on backup power to maintain court schedules, conduct staffing operations, protect important data, and offer state
mandated services to our county.
FEMA will cover 75% of the project cost, WEM will cover 12.5%, and Vernon County will cover the required local match of 12.5%. This publication does not constitute an endorsement of FEMA or reflect FEMA’s views.
Vernon County is accepting proposals from licensed electricians to conduct this work. Request for Proposals was released on May 30, 2025, and are due on June 27, 2025. More information can be found at vernoncountywi.gov (select Government and then Bids & RFPs).
For more information or questions about this project, please contact Amy Oliver, Community Development Director, at amy.oliver@vernoncountywi.gov or 608-637-5379. Inquiries about the proposals can be directed to Phil Hewitt, Highway Commissioner and Buildings Supervisor, at phil.hewitt@vernoncountywi.gov or 608-637-5452.
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