VULCAN, Mich. (WLUC) – Norway, Sagola and Felch Townships are being awarded Renewables Ready Communities Awards by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

The townships qualified for the state grant after they provided Circle Power with permits to build the Groveland Mine Solar Project.

Norway Township Supervisor Don Byczek says the money is a windfall for the township.

“We have like a $300,000 budget and we have to do a lot of things with that money,” Byczek said. “And you can see if we get $250,000, we get a year’s worth of money in quite short order. And it will be very beneficial for the people of Norway Township.”

Felch Township was awarded almost $140,000.

Sagola Township got almost $100,000.

Byczek says Norwawy Township plans on using its money for road improvements.

In a statement, Circle Power CEO Jordan Roberts says:

“From the beginning, the partnership of Felch, Norway, and Sagola Townships has been essential to developing Groveland Mine Solar. These grants are proof of the positive impact that can be had when local leaders and development groups work hand-in-hand. We at Circle Power congratulate the townships on receiving this grant. We look forward to continuing to work with local leaders to unlock economic development opportunities as the project moves forward.”

The Renewables Ready Communities Awards will continue accepting applications until funding runs out.

EGLE Materials Management Assistant Director Julie Staveland says EGLE hopes to continue working with local communities.

“We actually just launched our Renewable Energy Academy that kind of works with local planners to help them identify where it makes sense to put in renewable energy and really try to provide them with the information, they need to make the right choice for their community,” Staveland said.

More information about the Renewables Ready Communities Awards can be found on the EGLE website.

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