Mary Hoffman, ASU Community Partnerships executive director; Ashley R. Valdez, Xcel Energy area manager, community and governmental affairs; Karl Jolliff, ASU Community Partnerships project manager; Brock Gallegos, ASU Community Partnerships office manager; Dr. Beverlee McClure, ASU president, and Larry Crowder, Colorado State Senator, appreciate the generosity of the Xcel Foundation.
With funding from the Xcel Energy Foundation, Adams State University Community Partnerships will provide assistance to San Luis Valley businesses, including farmers and ranchers, to reduce costs through energy conservation and renewable energy application. Considering each business’s situation, Community Partnerships staff and volunteers will analyze energy benefits from both private and public sectors to determine the best strategy for each business.
Ashley Valdez, Xcel Community and Local Government Affairs, presented Adams State President Beverlee McClure and Community Partnerships’ staff with a check for $15,000 for the one year project on September 9. "While Xcel Energy provides power to the San Luis Valley we also are privileged of contributing to communities through the Xcel Energy Foundation grants," Valdez said. "One of the focuses of the Foundation is through economic development and sustainability. We are pleased to contribute funding to educate disadvantaged farmers and ranchers on the benefits of renewable energy applications."
McClure recognizes the need for additional resources for the San Luis Valley. "Xcel Energy’s contribution is an excellent example of a public/private partnership to leverage limited resources."
Mary Hoffman, ASU Community Partnerships executive director, agreed. "We are grateful for Xcel energy partnership."
This project complements ASU Community Partnerships’ longstanding work improving the San Luis Valley’s economy by supporting the region’s small businesses. This project joins such ongoing endeavors as Community Partnerships’ facilitation of increased funding proposals from Colorado USDA designated "Strikeforce" areas for USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP pays 25 percent of an eligible purchase, installation and construction of renewable energy systems. USDA loan guarantees of up to 75 percent of the total eligible project costs are also available.
Please contact ASU Community Partnerships for more information at 719-587-8209.
