February 17, 2012
Maine

Penobscot Nation receives $1M federal grant toward wind development project

By Nick McCrea, BDN Staff, Bangor Daily News, bangordailynews.com 16 February 2012

INDIAN ISLAND, Maine – The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $1 million to the Penobscot Indian Nation that will help the tribe move forward in its attempt to install a 227-megawatt wind project in Alder Stream Township in Franklin County.

The funding will allow the tribe to develop engineering designs, identify power purchasers, complete permitting requirements and hold negotiations, according to an Energy Department press release. The tribe needs to complete those preconstruction activities before pursuing further funding for the project.

“As President Obama highlighted in the State of the Union, the administration is committed to building an American economy that lasts and leverages our nation’s clean energy resources,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “The awards announced today will help tribes across the country advance a sustainable energy future for their local communities, spur economic development and advance innovative clean energy technologies.”

The energy department awarded $6.5 million nationally to 19 clean energy projects in the works by Native American tribes. The Penobscot Nation received the second-largest award in the country.

Penobscot Nation officials could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/17/penobscot-nation-receives-1m-federal-grant-toward-wind-development-project/