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Home My WebLink AboutLetters of SupportNovember 9'11. 2009 Tip: Alaska Energy Authority From: K.ellie Blue (General Manage-r of the Bay Club f-iealtli and Wellness Center, Horner, Alaska) RE, Alaska Energy Authorit}' Renewable Lnergy Fund Rourid 3 Dear ,Alaska. Energy Authority Grant Reviewers, This letter is,ro show inv enthusiastic support ofthe proposal titled "'Ionia Renewable Energy Training Center Project." as proposed by The Alaska 1-iental Health Trust as sponsor for Ionia. for the Alaska Ertiergy, Authority's renewabIc encrgav projects grant funding. I believe this proposal -fits perfecdv v"ith the AEA mission of advancing the research, development and deployment of`community-scale renewable energy technologies. To date, the Kenai Peninsula, does not have a facility that actively demonstrate s- the use renewable energy technologies and sustainable choices in a highly integrated. and k ell constructed manner as Ionia is presently enacting. I have visited Ionia many times over the past several years inspired by their warmth,. kindness, and careful and wise choices in lifestyle involving nutrition, agricultural efforts. commimication and oroanrzation, and sustainable and renewable energy technologies. Ionia is a unique, small stale, therapeutic eco-village c)n the Kenai PenlnSLd0. Ionia pro��ides an inspiring model for a healthy sway of life. and a wonderfuI dcmo►zstration of utilizing Alaska's vast renewable energy resources, incluclirig hind, solar and wood!bjornass, in practical and efficient vvays. ltmia's beautiful log buildings, organic farming, reforestation projects, masonry heaters and enthusiastic Wrnmunity members of al I ages create a Nvonderful showcase and learning cnvironment for renewable energ,= recltno#L�Qies. _l'ours of the lorni-a community_ including natural foods and educational slideshows-, have been an integral, ti'a.luable part of several successful public, Renewable Energy and SolarTour days in 2009. This project will demonstrate they use of biomass and -solar energy, for the educational purposes o1, building a*ivareness cif the social and economic implications of sustainabiIit} old rerte%able erterg+,. The community men;bers of the Kenai PeninSL]la would greatly benefit from lonia's living demonstration of reasonable. and renewable energ}, choices. i look- for\'ard to seeing the members of thi-s communih dernonstrate their'life's mission to wider area. 1110pe you WiII consider full funding of this project. Best Itc o-ard s, I 'C1 E692-292-LOG d,bS =So so 60 now --� KE Nei! PENINSULA BOROUGH 1E 144 North Binkley St., Soldotna, Alaska 99669-7520 0 1-800-478-4441, Ext. 2153 • 907-714-2153 • Fax 907-714-2377 www.borough.kenai.ak.us • bahlberg(1borough.kenai.ak.us DAVID R. CAREY BOROUGH MAYOR November 9, 2009 Subject: Ionia Renewable Energy Efforts To Whom It May Concern: At present, the entire Kenai Peninsula Borough is provided utility services by three independent electric companies and one natural gas company. The three electric companies will soon be reduced to only two, as Homer Electric Association does not plan to renew its contract in 2013 to purchase electricity from Chugach Electric. This alone will place an increased burden on existing generation capabilities of Homer Electric Association. Natural gas, while available, is only available in the cities of Kenai and Soldotna, with limited availability in the community of Steirling and along the pipeline corridor. Compounding the power generation and delivery challenge is the physical environment of Alaska. Existing power transmission lines and natural gas pipelines are susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruption, ice storms, blizzards, wind, flooding, and wildfire. That said, Ionia's strides to create alternative solutions for the good of the community should not only be recognized but also commended. Please consider this letter my effort to support their renewable energy project. Sincerely, 1 CaA David R. Carey Mayor DRC/bpa Z -d EBB2-292-LOS Ja..J8t407H d *S =S0 EO So noW Peninsula Co m m u n 1 ty November 7, 2009 Services Residents of Ionia 54932 Burdock Rd. Kasilof, AK 99610 ADM1NJSMTION 230 E. Marydaleavenue, suite 3 RE: Letter of Support for Ionia Renewable Energy Training Center Saldotna, Alaska 99669 Project tel 9071260-7300, fx 9071260-7301 = Dear Residents of Ionia; It is with enthusiasm that I endorse your application to the Alaska ASPEN DENTAL CENTER _ Energy Authority for a grant to assist in the construction of the 393 morn street Laop = Ionia Renewable Energy Training Center. This project is a Kenai, Alaska 99611 wonderful complement to existing Ionia facilities that promote an Tel 9071283-77S9, fx 9071283.4883 effective, safe envirom ent for mental health consumers to stabilize and recover. Further. it will provide an inspiring location - for community 'gatherings and a healthy learning environment. COTTONWOOD HEALTH CENTER BEHAvlaRAL MAWTN Each time I visit Ionia I come away with a great sense of 230 E. MarydoieAventre, sre2 appreciation for the work the Ionia residents are doing, residents' soddotna, Alaska 99669 ' willingness to share what they have learned, and the contribution tel9071260.3691, tx 9071260-3697 F of partners who have assisted you in facilities construction through - grant awards. CorrQNwooa kmrHCE R In expressing my grant support, I also want to convey my appreciation for the opportunity I have had to associate with Ionia MEDICAL residents over the past 5+ yearg, during which time I have had the 230 E. II?arydole Auerwe, suite r privilege of working closely with residents Barry Creighton and Saidotno, Alaska 99669 Y Michael Becherer. In his roles as. a board member .of Peninsula tel 9071262.3179, fx 9071260.7320 Cornrnunity Health Services of Al'ska and Alaska ,i1�fe�itzi •rieaith Board, Barry has provided innovative leadership to a. variety of initiatives, including the 'recent national -level demonstration ,Nwwpthsok•org project to integrate primary care and behavioral healthcare facilities and services. Michael provided creative input during start-up of the Community Action Coalition (Drug Free Communities Grant) and is now performing, a tremendous community service as its Chair. The Alaska Energy Authority may be interested to know that during the time I have worked with Barry and Michael we have collaboratively organized strategic planning retreats, educational sessions and dialogue, and 'VIP visits at Ionia to take advantage of the learning environment That its natural and built environment E `d EG�z- 9�-G06 ja_iayoag dJpG =S0 So So AOW promotes. Two years ago, PCHSAK and Ionia invited the Central. Peninsula residents to take an Ionia tour and then to participate in a discussion as a portion of the PCHSAK Annual Meeting (meeting theme was '`Treating the Whole Person: Innovating to Improve Health Status"). Jeff Jessee, CEO, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, was the featured guest at this event. Recently, Ionia hosted a PCHSAK Board of Directors board meeting and then provided a facility tour, project updates, and education for new board and staff members. I urge the Alaska Energy Authority to give positive consideration to this application and would be most happy to respond to any questions they may have. Siric:erely, Stan Steadman Executive Director * - C1 E682-292-L06 Ja-1a140ag d-s : S0 60 60 ADW