HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, has said that the Curwensville Area School District has won approval of a $644,280 state loan for installation of a geothermal, heat-pump system.
“To its credit, the district has pursued various funding sources with an eye toward saving on energy costs as it considers major renovations,” Rep. George said. “On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the loan through the Renewable Energy Program.”
The district will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the high school auditorium to review proposed renovations and upgrades.
According to the financing authority, the loan would be used to purchase and install the geothermal system, which would feature about 200 wells drilled to about 300 feet. Warmer water from the closed-loop system would be pumped throughout the system.
The state Department of Environmental Protection reviewed the district’s proposed geothermal project and determined it is technically feasible. Loan details were not immediately available.
The DEP and the state Department of Community and Economic Development administer the program under the direction of the financing authority.
More information about the Renewable Energy Program, which provides grants and loans to promote geothermal and wind projects throughout Pennsylvania, and other energy programs is available on the DCED Web site, www.newpa.com.
