Title
Authorizing Public Works to apply for $69,300 from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program for solar installation at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility.
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WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Climate Action and Resilience Plan adopted in 2019 established a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in municipal operations, and the 2026 Climate Plan Update includes a target to increase onsite solar energy at City buildings; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature established the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program in 2023 to provide grants to stimulate the installation of solar energy systems on public buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City acquired the building at 60. W Sycamore Ave. in 2024 and is planning renovations during 2026-2027 to meet the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility’s operational needs, which will be required to align with Saint Paul’s Sustainable Building Ordinance and Climate Plan goals; and
WHEREAS, installing a 30-kWdc ground-mounted solar array could offset approximately 25% of the annual electricity use for the high-use Solid Waste & Recycling Facility; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Financial Services and Public Works Department are requesting permission to apply for $69,300 in grant funds from the Solar on Public Buildings Program to cover nearly 60% of the $117,525 total solar project cost for the Solid Waste Facility with the remainder of the project costs to be paid with funds allocated in the Solid Waste & Recycling Division’s 2026 operating budget; and
WHEREAS, the Grants Division of the Office of Financial Services has reviewed and approved the Intent to Apply request; and
WHEREAS, the City certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes the Office of Financial Services-Real Estate Division and Department of Public Works to apply for the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program to support solar installation at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility.