HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Galena Match CommitmentCity of Galena
PO Box 149-Galena, Alaska 99741-0149
(907) 656-1301 --(907) 656-1769 Fax
September 19, 2012
Alaska Energy Authority
Attn: Shawn Calfa, Grants Administrator
813 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Re: Galena Community Wood Heat Project
Dear Mr. Calfa,
This letter is to express the City of Galena's commitment to the Galena Community Wood Heat Project.
The City of Galena operates the Galena Base Steam Plant and Electric Utility. The escalating costs of fuel
oil made renewable energy options increasingly attractive to our City. Renewable energy is part of our
Community's Strategic Plan. Our long-term vision is to develop local, renewable energy sources for the
economic and social well-being of our community.
The proposed project is the next step toward that vision. The project would improve the long-term
financial viability of operating the Galena Interior Learning Academy (GILA}, which is the primary heat
customer ofthe City's Base Steam Plant. GILA provides over $3.5 million worth of revenue to the Galena
City School District (GCSD} and 106 jobs for local residents. If GCSD is unable to reduce heat costs for the
Galena Interior Learning Academy, approximately 86 local jobs will be at risk. GILA also plays a crucial
role in the learning development of students, who come from all regions of Alaska.
The City of Galena has committed $25,000 of in-kind resources for the Galena Community Wood Heat
Project. These resources will include both administrative and personnel time, as well as the use of City
equipment and resources for the delivery and construction phases.
Thank you for your consideration of this project.
Sincerely,
~~..:*~
Russ Sweetsir
Mayor, City of Galena