The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the fourth round of Renewables Ready Communities Awards聽(RRCA). This round will support deployment of 1,836 megawatts (MW) of solar power projects 鈥� enough clean energy to power more than 1,830,000 Michigan households and businesses.
鈥淢ichigan鈥檚 Renewables Ready Communities Awards continue to support local communities and our prosperous, healthy, clean energy future,鈥� said EGLE Director Phil Roos. 鈥淭hese awards will enable communities to invest where they see needs in infrastructure, public safety, and more, while accelerating the build-out of affordable green power to hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents.鈥�
The RRCA awards program provides flexible funding to local units of government to help fund community improvements and additional services for their residents. Examples include local road and bridge repairs; public safety systems; park and playground enhancements; accessibility accommodations; and upgrades to grounds, energy for public buildings, and streetlights.
The program aims to speed the build-out of large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, and storage by providing these incentives for communities that permit and host the projects. RRCA grants are provided in addition to the tax revenue and community benefits already received by host communities.
The new fourth-round awards total $8,132,500 and support eight local units of government for the following projects:
- $2,495,000 to Lee Township in Calhoun County for the Sunfish Solar 1 project and $1,545,000 for the Sunfish Solar 2 project.
- $1,000,000 to Bethel Township in Branch County for the Branch Solar project.
- $750,000 to Watertown Township in Sanilac County for the Watertown Solar project.
- $625,000 to Parma Township in Jackson County for the Jackson County Solar project.
- $600,000 to Hart Township in Oceana County for the Hart Solar project.
- $570,000 to Meade Township in Huron County for the Silver Creek Solar Park project.
- $297,500 to Barry County for the Spring Creek Solar project.
- $250,000 to Bethany Township in Gratiot County for the Gratiot Solar Project.
鈥淟ee Township is honored to be awarded a Renewables Ready Communities Award and will use the funds to improve township infrastructure,鈥� said Township Attorney Catherine P. Kaufman. 鈥淪pecifically, Lee Township hopes to work cooperatively with the Calhoun County Road Department to improve the condition of township roads.鈥� Kaufman said Lee Township has reviewed and approved three solar energy projects, which combined will provide over 900 MW of solar energy.
Parma Township鈥檚 award is a win for the community, Supervisor Bobbie Norman said. 鈥淭he $625,000 Renewables Ready Communities Award is a tremendous opportunity for Parma Township, allowing us to invest in our community in ways that will have lasting benefits,鈥� Norman said. 鈥淭his funding will help us enhance local infrastructure and services while keeping our community sustainable for future generations. We appreciate the support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for bringing tangible benefits to local communities.鈥�