FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2010

Recovery Act Funds VA Energy Project

Massachusetts National Cemetery Builds Wind Turbine

WASHINGTON – In support of ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a $553,823 contract to build a wind turbine at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

The contract was awarded to a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business.

“Wind projects implemented at VA facilities yield energy cost savings, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and provide environmental benefits including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said.

The facility will erect a 50-kilowatt wind turbine, projected to produce up to 97 percent of the cemetery’s annual electricity usage, meaning the Bourne cemetery could operate almost entirely on renewably-generated energy.

VA selected the Massachusetts National Cemetery based on results from feasibility studies that were performed to determine the most ideal locations to invest in on-site renewable energy projects.

VA’s goal is to increase renewable energy consumption to 15 percent of annual electricity use by 2013.  This wind turbine project will help VA meet that goal.

VA also has awarded Recovery Act funds to install a geothermal renewable energy project at the VA medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.; plus solar photovoltaic systems at the Calverton National Cemetery in Long Island, N.Y. and the San Joaquin National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Calif.

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