Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge Completes Repair on Shop Solar Heating System with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds
Its been a busy week in northwestern Minnesota with the final weekend of the deer hunting season coinciding with completion of the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge solar heating system renovation, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
During FY 2008, Department of Interior bureaus reviewed 1,766 on-site renewable energy projects, including installation of a photovoltaic system on the maintenance building at Agassiz NWR. The review was part of an effort to fulfill the renewable energy goals of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The Agassiz NWR upgrade and repair project included removal of existing ducts and installation of solar panel duct work, return air grills with filters and solar heating thermostat controls for the 6,150-square foot maintenance shop. The resulting renewable energy production will contribute toward meeting future renewable energy consumption goals.
Beito Plumbing & Heating of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, won the contract award and completed the upgrade to the maintenance shop’s solar system, keeping ARRA funds in the local community. A final inspection is scheduled in early December 2009.
During a review of ARRA projects at Agassiz NWR in August 2009, Refuge Manager Maggie Anderson stated, "Im glad we are able to get this work done, and to have it done by a local company."
