Phoenix

TALENT, Ore. – The Phoenix-Talent School District recently received a million-dollar grant for energy improvements.

The district says it's been awarded the grant from the Oregon Department of Energy to install solar equipment and battery storage at Talent Middle School.

Jon McCalip, director of facilities and projects for Phoenix-Talent SD, says the estimated $13 thousand saved in energy each year will benefit students at all schools in the district.

"Well it goes back to the general funds which funds programs for the students," McCalip explained. "So it's students across the whole district, not just Talent Middle School, because it's cost savings for the district."

McCalip says they hope to have the project finished by June 2024.

Phoenix-Talent SD was one of 39 in the state to receive funding from the Department of Energy.

Southern Oregon University had also been awarded $1 million in funding for new solar projects on campus.

A breakdown of all the local awardees can be found below:

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