SALT LAKE CITY, March 26, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Michele Weaver today announced USDA is investing $76.5 million to expand the Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm. Construction of the expansion is expected to provide 220 local construction jobs and will provide clean energy to power approximately 36,000 homes, farms and businesses.
“USDA is committed to investing in clean energy projects that benefit the Navajo Nation because we know that reliable electricity powers homes, schools, healthcare facilities and businesses,” Weaver said. “Tribal lands are often in remote areas and unable to easily connect to a grid. Today’s announcement reinforces President Biden’s commitment to equal opportunity and support for underserved communities through the federal government.”
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) will use the USDA loan funds to purchase single-axis tracking solar arrays, allowing for maximum energy absorption. Projected revenues will help stabilize electric rates, connect unserved families to electricity, enable broadband access and create permanent employment for two to three people. Proceeds from the project will also contribute 50 scholarships and 25 paid internships to the Red Mesa community.
This announcement advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of Federal climate, clean energy, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
USDA Rural Development partners with NTUA to provide financing for essential utilities, improving access to reliable infrastructure. USDA makes funding available for the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program through regular appropriations from Congress. It provides funding to utility providers and electric cooperatives to build and improve electric infrastructure, smart-grid technologies and renewable energy systems.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.