Environment

Dry Creek Band announces $21M solar energy development






An aerial view of Lake Sonoma in California. The Warm Springs Dam, not pictured, is just to the right. Photo from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians in California signed an agreement to build a $21 million solar energy facility on land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The 5-megawatt solar array will power the fish hatchery, visitors center and other buildings at the base of Warm Springs Dam at Lake Sonoma, The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reported. It will also supply power to parts of the reservation.

Chairman Harvey Hopkins called the deal “great for the tribe, great for Sonoma County and great for the environment," the paper reported.

Investors are picking up the entire cost so the tribe won't have to pay anything. The project still needs to undergo an environmental review by the Army Corps.

Get the Story:
Dry Creek tribe plans large solar power project near Lake Sonoma (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 11/11)

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