Olmsted County Secures $381,000 in State Grants for Solar Projects

BREAKING NEWS: Olmsted County has just announced it will receive $381,000 in state grants to install solar panels on eight public buildings. This significant funding is part of a larger initiative by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which has allocated $14.5 million to local governments and Tribal Nations for solar energy projects.

County Director of Facilities and Building Operations, Mat Miller, emphasized the financial impact of this initiative, stating, “It’s essentially a free solar array for each of these sites, assuming we get the reimbursements.” The overall cost of the solar installations is estimated at $544,000, with the county leveraging federal tax credits to cover the remaining expenses.

The approved projects will target the following locations:

– Public Works Service Center cold-storage facility, wash bay, and main building at 1188 50th St. SE
– New exhibition center at Graham Park, 1403 Third Ave. SE
– Caretaker house and main office at Chester Woods Park, 8378 Highway 14 Southeast, Eyota
– Caretaker house and nature center at Oxbow Park, 5731 County Road 105 NW, Byron

While some of these projects were previously budgeted, Miller confirmed that the Graham Park installation was initially the only one scheduled for 2024. Thanks to the new grants, all eight projects are expected to be completed by 2026, significantly enhancing the county’s renewable energy capabilities.

URGENT UPDATE: The county must initially fund the projects before receiving state and federal reimbursements, which could come in 2026 and 2027. State funds will be disbursed within 30 days of project completion, but federal funding will require further approval.

County Administrator Travis Gransee revealed that with the potential for full project cost coverage, the county is exploring additional sites for solar installations, as state funds remain available. “We do have other sites we could look at,” he stated, acknowledging the extensive effort involved in applying for these eight projects. The application deadline was extended from November 14 to December 1 to accommodate further submissions.

Miller highlighted concerns regarding the condition of roofs on potential new sites, as state funds will not cover roofing improvements. “The projects we picked were the low-hanging fruit that had good roofs or we could do ground mounds,” he explained, indicating a strategic approach to maximize the benefits of the funding.

This innovative initiative not only promotes sustainable energy but also signifies a major financial investment in the community, paving the way for environmental benefits and potential cost savings for Olmsted County taxpayers.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.