In the News

Link to the original article

Jane’s Place received $300,000 in government funding to install a solar array on the roof of the multigenerational housing complex. 

The funding, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives March 6, includes $12,602,446 for 14 community projects. The Town of Buena Vista received $1.28 million for a 60-unit deed-restricted housing unit with a 5,000-square-foot childcare space. 

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, whose 7th Congressional District includes Chaffee County, championed the bill. 

“Investments in our affordable housing and accessible childcare – especially in the more rural parts of our state – are critical for the continued growth and prosperity of our community. This week, we put politics aside to invest in the American people,” Pettersen said in a press release. “In Chaffee County and across my district, these projects address critical needs and represent transformational investments in families, individuals and the future generation. I look forward to President Biden signing this package into law and seeing how these projects will create tangible progress in Colorado’s 7th District.”

Beth Helmke, county deputy director of administration, said solar was included in the initial concept plans for Jane’s Place. The $300,000 funding request came from discussions with the Chaffee Housing Authority, the Jane’s Place working group and Chaffee County Community Foundation, as an early estimate of expenses. 

“At this time, the specific details on the PV array sizing and its production capacity are unknown, so we don't know yet how much of the complex's energy demands can be fulfilled by solar,” Helmke said. “We are grateful to Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper and Rep. Pettersen and their hard-working staff for the support and advocacy on behalf of Chaffee County and our community priorities.”