Five organizations serving Arizona communities impacted by the transition away from coal-fired power plants will receive grant funds to support their local economies from the Utility Grant Funding Program.
The program is jointly funded by Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power and provides critical support to develop new, sustainable economic strategies for residents and other organizations in affected communities.
SRP has pledged to continue providing monetary support to enable community-wide improvement projects, similar to the broadband expansion effort in Apache County, which began in 2022 and was designed to connect 11,000 residents and more than 4,000 homes across the county.
“Communities across Northeastern Arizona have embraced opportunities to develop new strategies for long-term economic success. SRP is proud to help support that effort,” said Buchanan Davis, Director of Local Government Affairs at SRP. “We’re going to continue to offer support for years to come, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for these evolving communities.”
APS, SRP and TEP pledged a combined $1 million to the Utility Grant Funding Program, which was launched in 2023. APS and TEP funds for the Utility Grant Funding program did not come from customer rates.
“It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow with our local community partners on this project for the last several years,” said Wendy Erica Werden, Manager of Community Investment at TEP. “With electric utilities providing funding for projects that allow economic and community development to flourish, our collaborations will make a positive impact today and into the future.”
Over the course of nine grant award cycles, tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant were encouraged to apply for funding to bolster economic development in their communities.
“Meaningful progress happens when we work hand in hand with the communities we serve,” said Tina Marie Tentori, APS Director of Community Affairs. “We are proud to collaborate with our utility partners and local organizations to help build a resilient economic future for the region. As Arizona’s energy landscape evolves, we remain committed to supporting the communities that have powered our state for generations.”
Some past recipients of the Utility Grant Funding Program include the Town of Eagar, the Town of Springerville, The City of Show Low, Round Valley School District, The Chilchinbeto Chapter of the Navajo Nation, the City of St. Johns, the City of Holbrook, the Joseph City Foundation and the Apache County Superintendent of Schools.
