HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Seward LOS• .
August 24, 2011
Alaska. Energy Authority
813 West Northern lights Boulevard
Anchorage, AK 99503
To Whom It May Concern,
City of Selvard
P.O. Box 167
Seward, Alaska 99664-0167
Main Office (907) 2.24-4050
Facsimile (907) 224-4038
Re: Seward Schools' Biomass Heating System Feasibility Study
This letter expresses the City of Seward support for the Seward Schools' Biomass
Heating Systems Study. The escalating costs of heating fuel make renewable energy
options increasingly attractive, especially to schools and other public buildings. We are
interested in the potential for cost savings and cost stability, along with the economic
benefits of using more localized and renewable fuels for heat. We fully support the
School District in applying for a grant from the Alaska Energy Authority through the
Renewable Energy Fund Round V, to conduct a Feasibility Study on the use of biomass
heating systems for the Seward schools.
The City has actively promoted energy efficiency in our city buildings and throughout
the community. In addition to improving insulation and boilers in city buildings, we
actively assisted the Alaska Sea life Center in obtaining grants for installation of a
revolutionary heat pump system. This new system captures and leverages the heat that
is absorbed in our fjord of Resurrection Bay-on a year-round basis--to reduce or
totally eliminate the use of diesel fuel oil boilers. Such an approach significantly reduces
the carbon footprint of the Center. We are also in the process of assisting the Sea life
Center in obtaining an energy efficiency loan from a program established by the
Legislature through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
Two of the greatest challenges we face in Seward are the increasing costs of energy and
protection of our pristine environment. A biomass heating system for the Seward
Schools could assist in addressing both challenges. Do not hesitate to contact me if you
need additional information on our energy efficiency E~fforts in Seward or our support
for the biomass heating system study by Seward Schools.
Sincerely,
~es(Od4
City Manager
City of Seward