TOWN OF MENASHA HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD MARCH - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

TOWN OF MENASHA HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD MARCH 9, 2011 Annual WAPA/WI-ASLA Conference .

Project Chronology • The Idea • Original Efforts • Local Zoning • Economic Development • Sustainability • Bids • Renewable Energy • Incentives

The Idea • Staff was interested in exploring the use of renewable energy in the Town and suggested this as an option back in 2004.

Assessment • The Town had a site assessment conducted for the feasibility of wind and solar energy by Energize LLC in 2006.

Grants and Funding • Sources of Grant Funds – Focus on Energy – We Energies – Other State and Federal Grants

Selling the Project • Showing the true payback • Sustainability Committee support • Explaining the benefit to elected officials • Public support

Opposition • The cost – It’s cheaper to use fossil fuel • Wait for improved technology • Solar panels are not green • The payback is too long • Climate change is a hoax

17924 17924 http://ecob g http://www contained 17924 http://ecob g http://www contained http://ecob g http://www contained 17924 http://ecob g http://www contained Bids • The first bids came in too high

17924 g http://ecob g http://www contained 17924 http://ecob g http://www contained 17924 http://ecob http://www contained 17924 http://ecob g http://www contained Bids • The bid specifications were modified to reduce the cost • The second bid was awarded to Energize Systems LLC in the amount of $244,842 .

Construction • The site • Rock • The connections • Final site work

Completed Project and Power Production • Total Cost: $244,842 • Grant Funds : Focus - $ 49,277 WE - $100,000 WE Buyback – $ 25,767 Net Cost: $ 69,798 • Payback: 16 years

2-26- 10 11:45 am

3-2-10 11:05 am 3-2- 10 11:05 am

2-26- 10 11:45 am 3-2-10 11:06 am

2-26- 10 11:45 am 3-2-10 11:07 am

Other Successes • SCA Tissue – 25 kw solar and 80 kw wind • Miron – Geothermal heating • Neuroscience – 10 kw solar • Surrounding Communities Sustainability Committees City of Kaukauna Utilities - solar & water – 2.88 kw solar 22.9 mw hydro

Education & What's Next • 25 x 25 Community • Wind & Solar Expansion • Tours • Presentations • Demonstrations • Events • Create a Healthy Sustainable Business Neighborhood • The web site www.town-menasha.com

Questions George L. Dearborn Jr., AICP Director of Community Development Town of Menasha 2000 Municipal Dr. Neenah, WI (920) 720-7105 gdearborn@town-menasha.com