Huerfano County secures $3.2M grant for resource project

(HUERFANO COUNTY, Colo.) — Huerfano County announced on Wednesday, that it has been awarded a grant to help with new solar installations, water conservation, lighting, and mechanical upgrades.

Earning close to $3.2 million, the project’s goal is to preserve the county’s natural resources and provide increased opportunities for county residents.

The county partnered with local energy savings company, McKinstry, the multi-million dollar project in Spanish Peaks County served as complete overhaul of county infrastructure according to County Commissioner Karl Sporleder.

Mckinstry has helped secure innovative project financing including $750,000 Department of Local Affairs EIAF grant funding, $112,000 Inflation Reduction Act direct payment, USDA financing at 0% over 10 years, and one-time rebates on specific scopes within the project.

Money from an Energy Savings Performance Contract was used to retrofit 21 lighting sites, install 212 solar panels across four rooftops, and improve water conservation through mechanical retrofits will save more than 430,000 gallons of water every year.

The county is set to save $56,000 in utilities due to the energy-efficient measures that will decrease use by 26 percent.

“Huerfano is taking the lead in meeting the energy goals of the future,” said County Commissioner Arica Andreatta. “Not only will these measures save water and energy, they will save money for our residents while also reducing threats from wildfires, droughts, floods, and loss of alpine ecosystems. We are particularly proud of the way our County has been able to leverage funding to minimize costs to the taxpayers.”

Huerfano County will celebrate the project with a Media Day in July, there will be virtual tours of the projects, networking, and light refreshments before the ribbon cutting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.