STIM FOR OHIO FOREST SRVC SUN

Economic stimulus funds solar energy expansion in Wayne National Forest
March 12, 2009 (Ironton Tribune)

"The Wayne National Forest Solar Energy Program will soon be expanded thanks to funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009…[It] is one of several [projects] recently announced by the U.S. Forest Service to receive funding for national forests across the country.

"It is estimated four jobs will be created by the Wayne National Forest six-month project that gives business to Ohio’s growing solar industry."

Wayne National Forest headquarters - soon to be powered by sun. (click to enlarge)

"Up to 200 additional solar panels will be installed on the rooftop of the forest headquarters building and Athens Ranger District office…in southeastern Ohio.

"The Wayne began its Solar Energy Program in 2008, by installing a 20-panel solar system. Last year, the forest added 30 more panels to bring the total to 50…[The system] is generating 7 percent of the facilities energy needs."

click to enlarge

"Once the new expansion is completed later this summer, up to fifty-percent of the Wayne National Forest headquarters building will be powered by the sun, an increase of over 40-percent…[The Wayne] solar energy program [became] part of the state’s solar revolution by being included in the Ohio Solar Tour…

"Nationally, nearly $63 million worth of U.S. Forest Service projects creating hundreds of private-sector jobs have now been funded…[R]emaining projects to be funded [are] valued at $1.052 billion…[and] will create approximately 23,500 more jobs nationwide."