Yesterday's blog talked about a proposal to use some of the ARPA money to help the people of Fairfax to reduce our water consumption and save this precious resource.
Another part of the ARPA grant is the ability to help people who were economically hurt by the Covid virus. The Act stipulates that, if the Town uses the money to help people of low- and moderate- income with housing needs, including weatherization, utilities, etc, it meets the requirements of the Act.
When the Town Council was considering the Climate Action Plan, we got several comments reminding us that some of what's in it - like putting solar panels on peoples' roofs - are beyond the means of many of our people.
And, of course, the Town is concerned with advancing issues of social justice.
So, hearing all of this, the CAC has proposed that we use a small part of the ARPA money (less than 10% of the amount allocated to the Town) to help low- and moderate- income people put solar on their homes.
The idea is, we would use the money to put panels on peoples homes. We would then have the people pay for the electricity at a rate that is similar or, if possible, less than what they are already paying to PG&E. After a few years, once the panel cost has been repaid, the person with the panel will not have to pay again; so, the person from Fairfax would be economically advantaged from the beginning, with the benefit increasing over time.
As the money comes back, then, we will use the money to fund future solar projects for more people in Town, so that this money will be used over and over to help the people of this town.
But, the Town needs to hear from you.
Tuesday night, September 21, we will discuss these two proposals. We hope you can join us.
Another part of the ARPA grant is the ability to help people who were economically hurt by the Covid virus. The Act stipulates that, if the Town uses the money to help people of low- and moderate- income with housing needs, including weatherization, utilities, etc, it meets the requirements of the Act.
When the Town Council was considering the Climate Action Plan, we got several comments reminding us that some of what's in it - like putting solar panels on peoples' roofs - are beyond the means of many of our people.
And, of course, the Town is concerned with advancing issues of social justice.
So, hearing all of this, the CAC has proposed that we use a small part of the ARPA money (less than 10% of the amount allocated to the Town) to help low- and moderate- income people put solar on their homes.
The idea is, we would use the money to put panels on peoples homes. We would then have the people pay for the electricity at a rate that is similar or, if possible, less than what they are already paying to PG&E. After a few years, once the panel cost has been repaid, the person with the panel will not have to pay again; so, the person from Fairfax would be economically advantaged from the beginning, with the benefit increasing over time.
As the money comes back, then, we will use the money to fund future solar projects for more people in Town, so that this money will be used over and over to help the people of this town.
But, the Town needs to hear from you.
Tuesday night, September 21, we will discuss these two proposals. We hope you can join us.
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