The city of Sandpoint will start work soon on the first public pilot project with Solar Roadways Inc., the North Idaho startup that aims to transform roads, sidewalks and parking lots into heavy-duty solar surfaces capable of generating power and melting ice. The city has received a $48,734 Idaho Gem Grant from the state Department of Commerce to install a 150-square-foot solar surface at Jeff Jones Town Square at Third and Main streets in downtown Sandpoint. The Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency is kicking in another $10,000 for the project, and Solar Roadways owners Scott and Julie Brusaw of Sagle will donate installation costs. The solar surface will go down in June, according to the city’s project schedule/Scott Maben, SR. The rest of the story below.