A local government hosting or permitting any portion of an eligible large-scale renewable energy project may apply for the Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) grant program. The program is designed for municipalities involved in large-scale renewable energy projects (wind, solar, battery storage, or hybrid project 50 megawatts (MW) or larger) that were approved through the local permitting process after Sept. 1, 2023. Grant eligibility occurs once the project is permitted, and the local unit may receive up to $5,000 per MW via the grant. Changes to the program were recently implemented that now require the project to meet a Project Labor Agreement requirement. If it does not, the local unit’s final payment will be 80% of the maximum. Thus, under the change, the RRCA will award a local government $4,000 per MW; the award may be increased by 20% if the developer of the project establishes a satisfactory Project Labor Agreement for the construction of the project. If the host and permitter are separate (e.g., with county zoning), each local unit receives half of the award ($2,000 per MW.) The RFP for the latest round of funding is now open, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will host an informational webinar on Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. Applications for grant awards will be accepted on a rolling basis until the $90 million is depleted.
Michigan Townships Association
