News

Whatcom educational institutions receive millions in solar energy grant money

Whatcom educational institutions receive millions in solar energy grant money

Photo: Saga Communications


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham schools and Western Washington University (WWU) are among the recipients of over $3 million in solar energy grants coming to Whatcom County.

The state Department of Commerce announced a round of grants earlier this week that will fund 71 clean energy projects across the state.

Bellingham Public Schools was a big winner, netting just over $2.7 million – the second-highest total awarded. The funds will go towards the installation of a solar array on five schools – Options High School, Shuksan Middle School, and Alderwood, Cordata and Happy Valley elementaries.

WWU received just over $320,000 to install solar panels on its Science, Mathematics and Technology Education building. Another $133,000 will go to Point Roberts Parks and Recreation for its efforts to expand solar energy in the community.

Along with Whatcom, Skagit County received over $4 million for clean energy projects at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the La Conner and Anacortes School Districts.

The funds come from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.

Recent Headlines

22 hours ago in Sports

Rivals Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark having ‘fun’ playing together for US and not against each other

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark' s interactions are a subplot of the women's FIBA World Cup, the WNBA season and if you spend enough time on social media, a divided country. Clark and Reese have shown their relationship on the court is thriving.

22 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Seahawks pick off Drake Maye 3 times to beat Patriots 13-10 in Super Bowl rematch

Sam Darnold left the game injured, the offense was stagnant and sloppy mistakes put Seattle in a hole through three quarters. Then the Dark Side defense took over, Drew Lock made a few big plays and the Seahawks capped a Super Bowl banner-raising night with another win against the New England Patriots.

2 days ago in Sports

Coco Gauff rallies to reach the US Open semifinals against new women’s No. 1 Elena Rybakina

Coco Gauff fought off a couple match points in a tiebreaker and beat Mirra Andreeva 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 on Wednesday to set up a U.S. Open semifinal matchup against new No. 1 Elena Rybakina.

2 days ago in Sports

Alcaraz says ‘I leave with a smile’ after epic US Open loss to Shelton

At the end, when five riveting sets and one agonizingly tight tiebreak were over — and when the latest-finishing match in U.S. Open history had concluded — Ben Shelton was not the only player smiling.

3 days ago in Sports

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani returns to lineup after 4-day break but won’t pitch again this season

Shohei Ohtani went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup Monday night after a four-day break to deal with lingering left knee and right biceps soreness. The two-way superstar isn't expected to pitch again this season.