November 18, 2011
GOING GREEN: $30K FOR FIRST NATIONS CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS

CHILLIWACK – Three Fraser Valley First Nations are among those benefiting from the second round of provincial funding from the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF). The In-SHUCK-ch Nation and the Chawathil First Nation will each receive $30,000 to complete community energy plans. The Sts’ailes First Nation will receive $40,000 to develop alternative energy projects. 

Why this matters:
• A Community Energy Plan is the initial step for a community to establish energy objectives, develop an overview of the community’s current and projected energy demand, and identify viable energy efficiency and clean energy development opportunities to pursue.
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business fund promotes increased First Nation participation in the clean energy sector through:
• Revenue-sharing from eligible clean energy projects based on revenues derived from water rentals and land rents.
• Equity funding of up to $500,000 for First Nations to invest in clean energy projects.
• Capacity development funding of up to $50,000 to support First Nations with feasibility studies or engagement with private sector proponents of clean energy projects.

Quotes:
“Our government has already facilitated new renewable energy projects at the north end of Harrison Lake, employing hundreds of workers during construction of zero-emission hydro-electric projects and helping First Nation communities shut down their noisy, smelly and expensive diesel generators. This funding will help those communities pursue additional clean energy solutions as they build a sustainable economic future.”
-Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner

“This funding will help local First Nations find cleaner, more sustainable ways to power their communities while preserving and protecting their local environment.”
-Chilliwack MLA John Les

“Aboriginal businesses and communities have a vital part to play in B.C.’s economic future and have already established themselves in our booming clean energy sector. The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund will help them to build on that success, creating real opportunities for communities and families across the province.”
- Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak

Additional information:
• The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund was created to support First Nations and new power projects, with an initial contribution of $5 million from B.C.
• The first intake of the fund was announced in July 2011, with 16 Aboriginal communities benefiting from a total of $850,000 in funding.
• In this month’s second funding intake, five applicants will receive $30,000 each to complete their Community Energy Plans – a total of $150,000.
• Nine applicants will receive $40,000 each in capacity funding to complete feasibility studies/developmental work – a total of $360,000.
 

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