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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ken Smith |
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Smith announces a $205,000 energy development grant to Marywood
HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, announced that Marywood University has been awarded a $205,000 Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a geothermal energy pilot project, the first in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Smith said a feasibility study was conducted to determine the viability of using the mine water located beneath Marywood's campus. The study is near completion and Marywood University is ready to construct, test and monitor the use of the geothermal system, which will be connected to the newly renovated $4 million "green" facility that will house the new School of Architecture.
"The project will be a newly designed geothermal system that is expected to provide a clean energy source, which in turn will reduce airborne pollutants, create job opportunities and provide an educational tool for future generations," Smith said.
Marywood University and partners will provide $324,000 in matching funds to complete the project.
Smith said PEDA was established in 1982 to promote applied energy research, provide financial incentives for the deployment of clean, alternative energy projects, and promote investment in Pennsylvania's energy sector. After a period of inactivity, Gov. Ed Rendell revitalized the program as part of his strategy to institute a diversified energy industry in the state.
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