Five organizations serving Arizona communities impacted by the transition away from coal-fired power plants have been selected to receive a cumulative total of over $134,000 in economic development grants from a utility grant funding program.
The program provides support to communities near impacted coal plants to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for their residents and other stakeholders.
Funding is provided by Arizona public power utility Salt River Project and investor-owned Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service.
This is the program’s second round of grant awards made in 2023.
Northland Pioneer College will receive a grant award of $25,000 to redesign its Energy and Industrial Technician program.
NPC will hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study exploring alternative energy and other electro-mechanical offerings that will inform curriculum development and new program implementation.
The college is responding to the industry growth of wind and solar power generation while offering electrical and instrumentation training and industrial maintenance skills used across multiple industries.
This revised program is expected to begin in the Fall 2024 semester.
The City of Page will receive $25,000 to help cover the costs of hiring a grant-writing consulting firm to prepare applications for larger federal grants. The firm is also identifying additional grant opportunities to support transportation and economic development efforts, including broadband and community facilities and business incubators.
The Round Valley Unified School District will receive $25,000 to help hire a grant writer who will assist with funding opportunities.
The Town of Eager will receive $25,000 to support Round Valley Fire and Medical.
Eager's Public Works, Water and Sewer Department also will receive a $25,000 grant that will provide matching funds for a state water conservation program grant that will pay for meter system upgrades. These improvements will help save water, speed operations, and improve accuracy.
Joseph City Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Joseph City Schools, will receive $9,140 to provide matching funds for a grant that will provide local businesses with training through the Joseph City Chamber of Commerce and job development opportunities for the area.
Utilities' Grant Program funding will also support technical assistance in securing additional grant opportunities.
TEP, APS and SRP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program.
Area-specific tribal, state and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups are eligible to apply.
