The Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF) is pleased to announce its anticipated receipt of a substantial grant aimed at enhancing workforce development and the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program. As a subrecipient of this grant, AAEF is set to drive workforce development, economic growth and energy efficiency improvements across Arkansas, particularly benefiting smaller and rural communities.
The Arkansas Tri-Region Coalition, comprising Metroplan, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, and the City of Fort Smith, successfully coordinated a statewide application for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG), with Metroplan serving as the lead agency. As part of this collaborative effort, AAEF anticipates subawards through Metroplan and the City of Fort Smith to support workforce development initiatives and enhance the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the grant’s commitment to fostering local expertise in advanced energy technologies while also providing innovative financing solutions for energy efficiency projects across the state.
AAEF will implement a comprehensive plan to utilize this grant in two main areas:
- Workforce Development: This initiative will focus on training individuals in rural communities, equipping them with the skills needed for advanced energy jobs. This effort is expected to create quality employment opportunities and support local economies.
- CPACE Revolving Loan Fund and Administration: The CPACE program addresses a critical market gap by providing financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These projects are fully market-based, ensuring that the grant funds are managed with fiscal responsibility and aligned with market principles. This approach will enable smaller communities to access energy improvements that might otherwise be out of reach.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation as an invaluable partner in our efforts to drive energy innovation and progress across the state,” said Casey Covington, Executive Director of Metroplan. “Their expertise in workforce development and energy efficiency initiatives is crucial to the success of our shared goals. Together, we are poised to make significant strides in fostering long-term growth and enhancing the quality of life for communities throughout Arkansas.”
Pending final EPA grant approval, the grant execution period spans five years.
Lauren Waldrip, Executive Director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, emphasized the economic benefits of the grant: “We are excited to receive this grant, which will significantly enhance our workforce development initiatives and energy efficiency efforts. By focusing on job training and innovative financing solutions, we aim to foster economic growth and resilience in our smaller communities. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to driving economic impact and supporting the vitality of private enterprises across the state.
The City of Fort Smith has demonstrated its commitment to workforce development in the advanced energy sector by allocating $75,000 of its planning-stage Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) to the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation. This strategic investment aims to support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts in preparing the local workforce for emerging opportunities in sustainable energy and related fields, aligning with the city’s broader sustainability goals and the objectives of the Tri-Region Arkansas CPRG Coalition
“This grant represents a significant opportunity for Fort Smith and the surrounding region,” said Joshua Robertson of the City of Fort Smith. “By allocating funds to the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation, we’re investing in our workforce and paving the way for innovative energy solutions. This collaboration will not only boost our local economy but also position Fort Smith as a leader in advanced energy initiatives. We’re excited to see how this program will create new jobs, enhance our energy infrastructure, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of our community.”
Members of the coalition and stakeholders convened for a press conference on Tuesday, July 30 to announce the award.
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