Solar-powered evacuation route to be established with funds

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that the City of Boston has been awarded the Solar America Cities grant for the purpose of establishing a solar evacuation route. The grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) will allow the City to integrate solar energy applications into its emergency response infrastructure by creating a pilot solar evacuation route that will feature a backup photovoltaic (PV) system at Boston's main emergency-vehicle fueling station, as well as solar-powered traffic control and monitoring equipment, lighting, and emergency radio repeaters.

"This grant will make Boston a greener and better prepared city," said Mayor Menino. "Not only are we ready for the worst-case scenario, but we're demonstrating the benefits of a powerful and clean energy source. I'm excited that Boston is leading the way on readiness and solar energy."

The City will receive $1,343,020 in DOE funds, which will come entirely from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). To date, Boston has received nearly $240 million in ARRA funds for numerous housing, school, community development, transportation and environment and energy projects. This DOE funding supports the City's public safety infrastructure in addition to the COPS, Byrne, and Port security funding the City's first responders have received from ARRA.

"The Department of Energy recognizes the important role of local governments in overcoming barriers to widespread solar energy use," said JoAnn Milliken, Solar Program Manager at the U.S. Department of Energy. "Through these Special Projects, the Solar America Cities will develop innovative ways of integrating solar energy into their communities, and those strategies can then be replicated across the Nation."

Last spring, representatives from the Solar Boston team collaborated with the City's public safety agencies in a two-day workshop to identify ways in which solar technology could support emergency preparedness initiatives. This grant will provide the opportunity to test several of the applications developed through that workshop. Grant funds will be used to make the Washington Street evacuation route operable on solar energy in the case of an emergency, such as a blackout or a natural disaster. Of utmost importance is the availability of critical systems that are used to assure evacuation routes move properly. Street lights, traffic lights, video cameras, and message boards along roads will be powered by solar energy. Gas pumps, which use electricity to operate, also will be accessible through this clean power source.

"Boston's evacuation plan has been recognized by the US Department of Homeland Security as a nationwide best practice," said Don McGough, Director of the Mayor's Office of Emergency Preparedness. "We are excited to have the opportunity to work with the City's Solar Boston team to demonstrate how solar technology can be used to enhance the city's emergency preparedness efforts."

"Boston continues to be on the leading edge of renewable energy and emergency preparedness," said Jim Hunt, the City's Chief of Environment and Energy. "Through this innovative energy security strategy we are demonstrating that solar power is more than simply a green energy source, it can play an important role in ensuring continuity of operations when traditional power service is interrupted due to a storm or other emergency event."

Boston was eligible to receive this DOE grant because the City is one of 13 Solar America Cities under the DOE's Solar America Initiative, which started in 2007. The City also launched "Solar Boston," a program to encourage widespread adoption of solar energy in Boston. Through the program, the City:

• Develops a strategy for the installation of solar technology throughout Boston, including mapping feasible locations, preparing a project-labor agreement, and planning the city-wide bulk purchase, financing, and installation of solar technology



• Works with local organizations to maximize Boston's participation in state incentive programs and innovative financing initiatives



• Creates a successor non-profit organization to implement the long-term goals of the partnership in cooperation with the Boston Energy Alliance

With this DOE grant, Solar Boston meets ReadyBoston. ReadyBoston is a city-wide community preparedness initiative meant to educate and empower Bostonians about the hazards they may face and to encourage residents to prepare for all types of emergencies. The Boston Fire, Police, Transportation Departments, as well as Environment and Energy, Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Preparedness offices will collaborate on the project.

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