Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

State briefs: Red Lake Band of Chippewa goes solar

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa is going solar.

The tribe launched an ambitious green energy initiative last week that could cut its energy costs by $2 million a year. Solar panels will soon go up on some of the largest structures on the reservation, including the band’s government buildings, hospital, college and the Seven Clans casinos at Red Lake, Warroad and Thief River Falls.

To the band, solar energy offers not only a clean source of power, but a chance for energy and economic independence, said community development director Eugene McArthur.

The initial solar panel installation will cost between $10 million and $30 million, he said. By the end of the year, the band hopes to begin work on solar energy farms and, eventually, to start its own solar energy plant and solar panel fabrication facilities.

 

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