Roughly 70 different households, farms, businesses, and nonprofits collectively secured $935,463 in funding for renewable energy and efficiency upgrades thanks to the efforts of the Adirondack North Country Association, a regional nonprofit in northern New York.
Here's what to know
According to Adirondack Explorer, ANCA provided technical assistance for 70 projects in 13 northern New York counties, connecting applicants with state and federal funding for renewable energy, efficiency improvements, marketing, and expansion. Those awards came from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and initiatives backed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
"It is ANCA's mission to build shared prosperity for all in our region by advancing safety, affordability and opportunity," explained Zach Hobbs, ANCA interim executive director, per Adirondack Explorer. "By making building and business improvements possible, these crucial investments are helping build a stable foundation for community members so they can continue their essential work and expand their offerings."
The projects that ANCA aided varied just as much as their sources of funding. For example, seven recipients shared a combined $85,386 for energy-efficiency work through the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program. Meanwhile, support for solar energy systems went to five agricultural businesses, including farms and an equine center.
Some REAP-funded work focused on reducing operating expenses. The ADK Food Hub in Tupper Lake used its award for lighting, insulation, and doors, while Scotts Florist in Saranac Lake replaced an outdated walk-in flower cooler with energy-efficient units, according to Adirondack Explorer.
Through the USDA-supported Advancing Markets for Producers program, ANCA also distributed $390,683 to 41 agricultural businesses looking to expand markets, reinforce supply chains, and build stability.
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More background
ANCA's North Country Clean Energy Hub ran two targeted grant programs: one for nonprofits and organizations providing essential services, and another for low- to moderate-income households needing critical home repairs before additional efficiency upgrades could happen.
Under the effort aiding nonprofits and other organizations, the hub directed $250,000 to nine childcare centers and nonprofits located in nine counties.
The funded projects included heat pumps for the Champlain Children's Learning Center and the Owls Head-based Mountain View Community Center, attic and wall insulation for the Elizabethtown Social Center, and a tankless hot water heater for Massena's Police Activities League.
For residents, 13 households in six counties received a combined $209,394 for repairs related to underlying health and safety issues such as roof leaks and mold. Fixing those problems can improve day-to-day living conditions while also making homes eligible for future upgrades, such as improved insulation.
"In a rural region like ours with scattered services and limited resources, many nonprofits and households may be very interested in implementing energy-efficiency upgrades, but may not have the expertise, funds or capacity to make them happen," said Erin Griffin, ANCA Clean Energy Hub Director, according to Adirondack Explorer. "Our grant programs for critical facilities and critical repairs are making cost-saving upgrades possible and setting them up for future projects that improve safety, affordability, and long-term stability."
Where can I learn more?
Grants, rebates, and other incentives have been helping homeowners and businesses cover energy upgrades across the U.S.
• In New York, homeowners can access up to $24K in rebates for efficiency and electrification upgrades.
• Across several states, households can claim up to $14,000 for home energy upgrades already rolling out.
• The Department of Energy sent grants to 20 cities and four states for clean energy projects.
• Federal officials directed $9 million in funding to tribal colleges and universities for clean energy projects.
• Nonprofits can secure over $100,000 from the government to install solar and lower operating costs.
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