USDA investing $76.5M to bring clean energy to Navajo Nation

Trevor Myers
·2 min read

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced on Tuesday that it is investing $76.5 million to expand the Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm, according to a press release.

According to USDA Rural Development, the expansion is expected to provide clean energy to approximately 36,000 homes, businesses and farms — in addition to providing more than 200 local construction jobs.

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According to Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, the Red Mesa Tapaha Solar Farm is a 500-acre project that is expected to bring power to nearly 20 communities across Utah.

Over the life of the project — which is scheduled to last about 25 years — NTUA said the solar farm is projected to bring in more than $20 million in revenue for the Navajo Nation.

According to USDA Rural Development, the NTUA is expected to use the loan funds to purchase single-axis tracking solar arrays, which would allow for “maximum energy absorption.”

“Projected revenues will help stabilize electric rates, connect unserved families to electricity, enable broadband access and create permanent employment,” USDA Rural Development said in the release.

USDA Rural Development provides financial support to, in part, “improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.” It is partnered with NTUA to continue providing financing for utilities as well as improving access to reliable infrastructure.

“Tribal lands are often in remote areas and unable to easily connect to a grid,” USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Michele Weaver said in a press release. “Today’s announcement reinforces President Biden’s commitment to equal opportunity and support for underserved communities through the federal government.”

The USDA investment is part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of benefits from Federal investments in areas such as climate and clean energy help cover marginalized communities.

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