FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2010

VA Awards ARRA Funded Renewable Energy Project

Calverton, N.Y., National Cemetery Installs Solar Cell System

WASHINGTON – In support of ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a $742,034 contract to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island, using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

The contract was awarded to a service-disabled, Veteran-owned small business.

“We are investing in clean energy and other renewable energy projects for our national cemeteries to reduce our environmental footprint,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said.  ”The transition toward these renewable energy sources helps VA continue to be a leading example in ‘going green’ in the federal government.”

The cemetery will install a 60-kilowatt, ground-mounted solar PV system, estimated to produce up to 11 percent of the facility’s annual electricity.  VA selected Calverton based on feasibility studies that determined the most ideal locations to invest in on-site renewable energy projects.

VA’s goal is to increase renewable energy consumption to 15 percent of annual electricity usage by 2013.  The installation of this solar PV system will help VA meet that goal.

VA also has awarded Recovery Act funds to install a geothermal renewable energy project at the VA medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.; a wind turbine at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne and a solar PV system at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Calif.

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