Wind for Schools Montana – Needs your Help
by Timlynn Babitsky
The Department of Energy has selected Montana as one of five states to participate in the inaugural year of the Wind for Schools Program. While the Program has received a three-year commitment from DOE to fund Host School curriculum development and the establishment of a Wind Applications Center (WAC) at MSU-Bozeman the program is in danger.
Additional resources must be secured for the installation of a small wind energy system at each of five Montana Host Schools: Cascade, Fairfield, Stanford, Livingston, and one school yet to be selected in Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) service territory.
The Wind for Schools Program has sought the financial support of NorthWestern Energy’s Universal System Benefits (USB) fund in their bi-annual grant review in Fall ’07. NorthWestern Energy declined to commit to any funding for the Wind for Schools at this time, siting poor project cost effectiveness and lack of information regarding local support and Program longevity as main concerns.
Wind for Schools Montana is now turning to the general public for financial and in-kind contributions to the Program. Businesses, individuals, government offices, and NGOs are encouraged to show their support for energy education and rural economic development by becoming a Bronze ($1,000), Silver ($2,500), Gold ($10,000), or Platinum ($20,000)
Please sponsor Wind for Schools Montana. In-kind contributions are needed in the form of necessary project labor or materials such as electrical wire and equipment, concrete, and crane/excavator time. Each project will cost $12,500 to $15,000 to implement. All contributions are tax-deductible, and will result in recognition in regional media and on a permanent plaque to be placed at each school.
Please contact State Facilitator Sean Micken at (406) 581-8460, or smicken@westerncommunityenergy.com for more information.
This note comes by way of Montana Economic Development Association (MEDA).
Click on the Wind for Schools program for general information, teachers resources, and so much more.