BY RAMONA DU HOUX

February 17, 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $1 million to the Penobscot Indian Nation that will help the tribe install a 227-megawatt wind project in Alder Stream Township in Franklin County.

“As President Obama highlighted in the State of the Union, the administration is committed to building an American economy that lasts and leverages our nation’s clean energy resources,” said DOE Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “The awards will help tribes across the country advance a sustainable energy future for their local communities, spur economic development and advance innovative clean energy technologies.”

The DOE said the funding will help the tribe develop engineering designs, identify power purchasers, complete permitting requirements and hold negotiations. Once these requirements are fulfilled the tribe will be eligible to apply for further funding.

The energy department awarded $6.5 million nationally to nineteen clean energy projects in the works by various Native American tribes. The Penobscot Nation received the second-largest award in the country.