This solar array helps power the Negaunee High School. The one that Sands Township recently received a sizable state grant to help construct will be much larger. (Journal file photo)

SAND TOWNSHIP — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy announced awards for six Michigan communities hosting renewable energy projects on Thursday, with Sands Township being the only one in the Upper Peninsula.

The latest round of Renewables Ready Communities Awards supports communities hosting solar power and battery storage projects that are supposed to generate enough clean energy to power more than 847,000 Michigan households and businesses.

Sands Township is the recipient of $748,500 based on their progress relating to the Superior Solar Project, where half of the award will be disbursed upon the start of energy project construction and the other half upon operation, with most projects expecting to begin operation in 2026.

According to DEGLE, the township plans to use its awards for upgrades to Strawberry Lake Park, a nature trail at Sands Township Park, and renovation for its office complex, including a gathering space for community use.

“Sands Township is honored to receive a Renewables Ready Community Award in recognition of our support for the Superior Solar Project,” said Township Supervisor Darlene Walch. “The projects are consistent with Sands Township’s Master Plan and this award offers a significant financial boost, enabling us to provide these improvements to our residents sooner than anticipated.”

The RRCA program awards flexible funding to local governments for community improvements and additional services, incentivizing communities to host large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind, solar and storage through awards that supplement existing tax revenue and community benefits.

Additional information about the DEGLE’s RRCA program can be found online at michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/rfps-loans/renewables-ready-communities-award. More information about Sands Township can be found online at sandstownshipmi.gov.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.