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C1e. W hat is the main <br />way that this project <br />helps fight climate <br />change? (select one): <br />Renewable Energy <br />C1f. Please select the <br />jurisdiction(s) where your <br />project is focused and <br />briefly state how your <br />project aligns with the <br />relevant Climate Action <br />Plans: <br />Orange County/Orange County Climate Action Plan <br />Please name the action <br />items from the Orange <br />County Climate Action <br />Plan that best align with <br />your proposed project. <br />(200 word limit) <br />This project aligns with the OCCAP by significantly reducing GHG emissions and boosting solar <br />power generation within the county. The installation of a 99.9 kW DC solar array at RHF will not <br />only offset all GHG emissions generated by the farm, but also supply excess back to the <br />community. Hurdle Mills has only three residential solar installations, making RHF’s project the first <br />utility-scale solar installation here. <br />RHF already collaborates with Cooperative Extension, supporting the Climate Action Plan's <br />mission for agricultural sustainability as mentioned in objective GC 3.1.2. Through this project, <br />RHF could also serve as demonstration space as outlined in GC 3.1.1 (two new collaborations <br />with local farmers per year around sustainability, organic farming, etc). Integrating a solar array at <br />RHF alongside its year-round organic produce production would make the farm a model of <br />sustainable farming practices in the state. <br />GC 4.1.1 further outlines the need to enhance branding of locally sourced food, and this project will <br />enhance RHF’s presence in the local psyche as an important agricultural institution. <br />Furthermore, the farm's proximity to Breeze Farm presents an opportunity for RHF to be <br />incorporated into educational and outreach events scheduled at Breeze Farm. <br />C2. Do you have another <br />project to add? <br />No <br />Funding Request Summary Please list all proposed projects (please list project name only) for <br />which you are requesting Community Climate Action Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Make <br />sure to include a brief description of the proposed use of funds. Applicants will be asked to provide <br />more details on their proposed project budget in the Budget W orksheets linked template. <br />C3. Total Funding <br />Request <br />30000 <br />C4. Describe your <br />proposed use of funds. <br />(150 word limit) <br />These funds will support three interconnected components of our Renewable Energy Infrastructure <br />project with an overall anticipated budget of $358,577. The first component was hiring a renewable <br />energy contractor to supply engineering/preconstruction services for the farm’s USDA REAP grant <br />application ($5,800; completed). The second is contracting with Piedmont Electric to replace <br />existing single-phase power supply lines with three-phase ($130,000). The third component is <br />installation of a 99.9 kW DC solar array ($222,777) to offset 100% of our electrical demand <br />annually (awarded through the REAP grant in 2025). <br />For three-phase energy ($130,000), 40% will be recovered through tax credits (roughly $50,000); <br />$30,000 will be covered by this OC grant; and the remainder of project expenses will be covered <br />by RHF. OC’s contribution is critical to reduce the significant financial burden RHF is taking on to <br />finance the project upfront ahead of federal grant reimbursements and tax credits. <br />C5. If a full award for <br />your project is not <br />possible, can/will you <br />accept partial funding <br />and still be successful? <br />Yes <br />Docusign Envelope ID: 1EDD1EF6-0E3A-40E1-B431-94002662BCDF