Communities affected by coal plant closures eligible for new grants, Arizona energy providers say
Communities that could be affected by the closure of coal-fired power plants may be eligible for grants, three Arizona energy providers said Thursday.
Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) said they have come together to create the Utilities’ Grant Program to support local governments, stakeholders, and nonprofit groups in applying for grants from federal, state and other sources.
The utilities said they listened to communities impacted by coal-fired power plant closures talk about their challenges in seeking funding to develop sustainable and strategic economies. The utilities said that communities need help hiring grant writers or commissioning economic impact studies that would bolster their efforts to compete for grant opportunities.
“We are committed to supporting the prosperity of the communities we serve and where we operate, which includes exploring ways to boost economic development,” said Ann Becker, APS Vice President of Sustainability. “Providing these communities with the resources they need to compete for economic development or federal and state assistance not only makes sense, but it’s also the right thing to do.”
Eligible communities and other groups may apply for up to $25,000 in assistance on behalf of communities within 50 miles of a coal-fired power plant owned by one of the utilities, the group said. The companies said that as they transition to cleaner generation resources, they are committed to working with employees, community members, regulators, and others to develop thoughtful, equitable, and meaningful transition processes.
“These communities are taking meaningful steps to develop the type of growth they want to see,” said Kelly Barr, SRP’s Chief Strategy, Corporate Services and Sustainability Executive. “These grants will empower local communities to continue to develop new strategies and programs that drive forward sustainable, successful futures.”
