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NYSDOT announces completion of solar energy systems in WNY

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas recently announced the completed installation of solar energy systems at three New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) properties in Western New York. The solar pilot project included placement of ground-mounted solar panel systems at:

Interstate 290/990 Pump Station, Erie County

Sherman Maintenance Sub-Residency, Chautauqua County

Interstate 86 Rest Area, Bemus Point, Chautauqua County

“Under Gov. Cuomo’s continued leadership, New York state has furthered its commitment to clean energy innovation, reliability and affordability,” Acting Commissioner Karas said. “The installation of solar panels at DOT facilities in Western New York is expected to provide approximately 80 percent of the power normally used at those facilities with clean, green energy. This is a true win-win project for our department and the state of New York.”

Gov. Cuomo has been a national leader on the issue of global climate change and this effort is consistent with his initiatives to reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 (“40-by-30”).

The solar installation was completed by CIR Electrical Construction Corp. of Buffalo in Erie County, and was administered through a partnership between NYSDOT and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which will be providing incentives towards the solar panel installation costs through the NY-Sun program.

Alicia Barton, president and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “New York State continues to lead the nation in advancing and adopting clean energy, and Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative is one example of how the state is ‘walking the talk’ by powering its own facilities with solar energy. These projects showcase how accessible solar energy has become for public entities, businesses, and residents alike who want to lower their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint and ensure cleaner, greener communities for future generations.”

NYSDOT is funding the project through a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with the solar provider. Under the agreement, the provider will continue to own and operate the panels and NYSDOT will buy the power they produce at a set rate. The total production output of the systems is approximately 345,600 kilowatt-hours of energy per year.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTBuffalo. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.

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