Big Agnes Inc. received a $12,064 grant from the State of Colorado to help build a five-kilowatt solar array on its headquarters in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The “new energy economic grant” is funded with money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).


The grant is one of 23 New Energy Economic Development (NEED) grants worth $2.2 million announced by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter for both renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

 

Projects include solar power installation for an affordable housing unit in Denver, energy efficiency upgrades for a non-profit preschool in Gilpin County and a small hydro-electric project in the town of Basalt. Big Agnes received $12,064 to help build a five-kilowatt solar array on its headquarters in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

The NEED grants were awarded after a competitive process involving more than 106 applicants seeking more than $18 million. The 23 grant projects will leverage more than $5 million in public-private local matching funds for a combined $7.8 million investment in Colorado communities.


“This is great news,” says Big Agnes co-founder, Bill Gamber. “We strongly believe that in transitioning our business to renewable energy, in this case solar power, it is a win-win scenario for both our business and the environment. This project, along with our purchase of 100% wind generated power at our office and warehouse, will significantly reduce Big Agnes' carbon footprint. We hope our efforts will inspire other Colorado businesses.”