The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $4 million grant to the Fort Mojave Aha Macav Power Service in Arizona.
The funding will be used to build a 2.3 megawatt solar power system to generate clean and renewable energy for the Fort Mojave Reservation, an April 26 EDA press release said. The project is expected to create or retain approximately 50 jobs.
“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities and investing in renewable energy,” Gina Raimondo, Commerce secretary, said in the release. “This EDA investment will support green jobs and clean, affordable electricity for residents of the Fort Mojave Reservation.”
Alejandra Y. Castillo, assistant secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, also commented on the new funding.
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Fort Mojave Aha Macav Power Service as it seeks to build a resilient and sustainable Tribal economy,” he said in the release. “This project will help to limit carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring the Biden Administration’s commitment to a climate-ready future.”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs noted that tribal leaders from across the state have expressed to her the difficulties they face providing basic necessities for their communities.
“This grant not only facilitates a clean energy future, but expands access and creates good paying jobs in the process,” she said in the release. “This is a model for what’s possible when we invest in our communities, no matter their zip code.”
U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) spoke in favor of the funding.
“Today’s investment allows families on the Fort Mojave Reservation to keep more of their own money in their pockets, and ensures Arizona remains a safe and healthy place to call home for generations to come,” she said in the release.
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) also praised the grant.
“This investment will create good-paying jobs; provide clean, affordable power; and strengthen Arizona’s leadership in renewable energy production,” he said in the release.
