#AmericanWindWeek 2020: Wind powers community investment

We’re on to day four of #AmericanWindWeek 2020, and you can find all the exciting news from the first half of the week by visiting AmericanWindWeek.org, following #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture on social media, and checking out AWEA’s social press kit.

Today is all about community investment and giving back. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented our country and the world with unforeseen challenges in what was an already difficult time for many. Wind energy is providing support to communities when they need it most. From investing in rural America in unprecedented ways to addressing food insecurity due to the virus, wind companies are giving farmers a drought proof cash crop and bringing financial stability to our nation.

AWEA’s recently released case studies illustrate the many ways that wind can #BuildtheFuture in rural communities. In Ford County, Illinois, tax credits from wind projects gave the school district over $2 million in revenue in their first year alone. This extra revenue allowed them to hire more teachers, improve buildings and upgrade technology, all of which are crucial while distance learning. In Benton County, Indiana nearby wind farms provided over $1 million of the $6.2 million required to run fiber optic line through communities. Thanks to wind, residents will now have high speed, low-cost internet. The county also used the additional funding to upgrade their emergency vehicles and provide training to EMT’s to become paramedics.

AWEA member companies are also working hard to serve their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. Companies have shown support by making seven figure contributions to recovery efforts, and aiding efforts at the local level to ensure adequate housing, access to PPE, and small business security.

At a time when the nation needs it most, wind is #BuildingtheFuture.

Here are more great #AmericanWindWeek highlights:

WA is moving to 100% clean energy.

Wind energy is going to help us do it. And it’s going to create good-paying jobs in every corner of the state along the way.

Thanks for the recognition, @AWEA. https://t.co/25bL1h9c2O

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) August 12, 2020

In an all-of-the-above energy approach, #windpower is critical! Wind production in Minnesota continues to grow & I’m glad that companies #MN06 help lead the charge. Thanks to @AWEA for promoting wind production nationwide! #AmericanWindWeek

— Tom Emmer (@RepTomEmmer) August 12, 2020

Wind energy is a clean, affordable power source that supports investments in our communities & infrastructure. Proud to be named a 2020 Wind Champion & pledge to support wind energy and those working to build our nation’s clean recovery. #AmericanWindWeekhttps://t.co/W2mPe5IaSf

— Paul Tonko ⚫️ (@RepPaulTonko) August 12, 2020

Original Source: https://www.aweablog.org/americanwindweek-2020-wind-powers-community-investment/