The Ada County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to start the process of auctioning off the Barber Dam.
Ada County said that since the county is not statutorily required to operate a Dam, this vote gets the ball rolling on having the county get out of the Dam business.
CBS 2 reports that the county has owned the dam since 1977. It was acquired because the original owner failed to pay taxes on it. By law, the county then took ownership.
The facility generates power that is sold to Idaho Power.
The Commission will set a minimum bid and allow adequate time for prospective bidders to inspect the Dam before significant water flows begin in spring.
Prospective bidders will need to demonstrate that they are financially able to own and operate a Dam under guidelines established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
