Washington County engineer seeks grant for seed storage

The Washington County Engineer’s office is looking for a better way to store the seeds it uses for its Roadside Vegetation Management Program.

County Engineer Jacob Thorius told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that he plans to apply for a grant to purchase and convert a used shipping container for that purpose.

“The seeds are currently stored in the garage between trucks,” Thorius said. “Sometimes when those trucks come in, they are muddy and wet, especially in the winter.”

He came up with the idea of purchasing a used metal shipping container, like the ones used on ships, trains and trucks.

“We can retrofit and put in some insulation,” Thorius said. “We can convert it to climate controlled storage for the seeds.”

He said that the estimated cost would be $5,000.

“I think we can have a nice storage area for that,” he said.

Thorius plans to apply for a $3,000 grant from the Living Roadway Trust Fund.

He said he has enough money in his budget to cover the rest of the cost.

“If we apply now, we’ll find out in August or September if we’re successful,” he said.