Spokane's Water Department secures $2.8M grant for solar upgrades

SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane’s Water Department has been awarded a $2.8 million Clean Energy Community Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for solar infrastructure at its North Foothills Drive location.

The grant, along with a nearly $200,000 local match, will go towards designing and installing parking structures, solar arrays, battery storage and charging stations. These upgrades are part of ongoing renovations at the department’s historic site.

“The City Water Department is excited to use these funds to invest in needed updated infrastructure as we work to deliver clean drinking water to our customers in an affordable way,” said Public Works Director Marlene Feist. “We are grateful to the state Department of Commerce for seeing how this project will enhance the functionality and resilience of the Water Department in a way that is protective of our environment and our neighbors.”

The power generated and stored at the site will be used to power the department’s electric vehicles.

”This is a meaningful step forward in our city’s commitment to sustainability and reflects our continued efforts to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our most vulnerable communities,” said Director of Transportation and Sustainability Jon Snyder.