Three Arizona utilities have pledged a combined $1 million to help secure grant funding for communities potentially impacted by coal-fired plant retirements in the northeastern part of the state.
Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) have created the Utilities’ Grant Program, which would support tribal, state, and local governments, as well as nonprofit groups and other stakeholders apply for grant funding from federal, state and other sources.
Applications for up to $25,000 in assistance may be filed on behalf of impacted communities within 50 miles of a coal-fired plant owned by APS, SRP or TEP.
For example, the money could be used to hire grant writers or commission economic impact studies that would help communities compete for state or federal opportunities.
The first grant application cycle closes May 15, with additional grant cycles will be scheduled later in 2023.
The Utilities’ Grant Program builds on efforts like the Arizona Commerce Authority’s $9.7 million Broadband Development grant for each of the Apache and Navajo counties.
Those funds will support additional broadband connectivity in communities throughout these counties, including Joseph City — where APS owns and operates the Cholla Power Plant, St. Johns – where SRP owns and operates the Coronado Generating Station (CGS), and Springerville — where TEP operates the Springerville Generating Station (SGS).
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