By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Posted: 02/10/2009 02:57:40 AM EST
Tuesday, February 10
GREAT BARRINGTON — The Selectmen last night gave their collective blessing to a request by the town's Fire Station Building Committee to commit a total of $43,333 in Clean Energy Choice Funds to the fire station construction project.
The board also commended the committee for its work. According to committee co-chairman Richard T. Coons, the project is now slated for completion by September — two months ahead of schedule.
"You folks are doing a good job out there," said Selectman Chairman Walter F. Atwood III. "You've got it under control."
Coons explained that the town is eligible for the $43,333 return because a number of town residents agreed to allow $1 of their monthly electric bill to be allocated to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Choice program. The money turned over to that fund can be accessed by the town for a "clean energy" project.
Photovoltaic panels
In Great Barrington's case, said Coons, the town plans to install a total of 36 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the fire station to generate solar energy. The photovoltaic array is expected to generate about 10 kilowatts per day.
The roof of the station was especially designed to handle the weight of the panels, he said.
Rebate
In addition, said Coons, the town is eligible for a rebate of $41,500, made available through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the state's Solar Rebate Program.
Advertisement
Coons estimated that installing the system will cost about $115,344. The $41,500 rebate and the $43,333 reallocation will knock the overall cost of the installation to about $30,511.
Coons added that the present reallocation is listed as $43,333 as of September 2008. He said that he believes there may well be more money coming to the town by now, which in turn would mean more savings.
The photovoltaic setup will save the town about $1,800 annually, said Coons.
The annual electrical costs for the structure are expected to be about $12,000 annually, with the savings factored in, said Coons.
Approved in 2007
Town voters approved $9 million to construct the new station on Stockbridge Road in 2007.
Although there were concerns in some corners about completing the project on time and under budget, the Selectmen said last night that they are pleased with the work to date.
Selectman Ronald Dlugos lauded Coons and the town for their efforts.
He pointed out that when the fire station was being designed, one of the favorable aspects of the present site on Stockbridge Road was its favorable exposure to sunlight.
Rail service
In other business, the board expressed their support of a potential plan to expand rail service from the Berkshires to New York City, a stance taken earlier by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Derek Gentile can be reached at dgentile@berkshireeagle.com or at (413) 528-3660.
No comments:
Post a Comment