Salt Lake City (ABC4) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Service on tuesday, Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farmaccording to a press release.
The expansion is expected to provide clean energy to approximately 36,000 homes, businesses and farms, in addition to more than 200 local construction jobs, according to USDA Rural Development.
according to Navajo Nation Public Works Departmentthe Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm is a 500-acre project expected to power nearly 20 communities across Utah.
NTUA said the solar farm is expected to generate more than $20 million in revenue for the Navajo Nation over the life of the project, which is expected to last approximately 25 years.
NTUA will use the loan funds to purchase a single-axis tracking solar array that will allow for “maximum energy absorption,” according to the USDA Rural Development Agency.
“The projected revenues will help stabilize electricity rates, connect unserved households, provide broadband access, and create permanent jobs,” USDA Rural Development said in a release. mentioned in.
The USDA Rural Development Agency provides financial assistance as part of its efforts to “improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living in rural areas.” We partner with NTUA to continue financing utilities and improve access to reliable infrastructure.
“Tribal lands are often remote and cannot easily connect to the electric grid,” Michelle Weaver, USDA Utah Rural Development Director, said in a press release. “Today's announcement strengthens President Biden's commitment to equal opportunity and supporting underserved communities through the federal government.”
USDA investment is part of President Biden's investments justice 40 initiativeaims to set aside 40% of the benefits from federal investments in areas such as climate and clean energy to cover marginalized communities.
