MT. HOOD-PARKDALE — With funding from the Oregon Department of Energy, Mt. Hood Town Hall is preparing for a solar installation project. The project aims to create resilient power and an on-site storage system in case of power outages.
Hood River County’s Energy Council identified Mt. Hood Town Hall as a critical facility for community resources and support, primarily for the Upper Hood River Valley. County staff reported that the building is used as an emergency relief center, clinic, special events venue, community meal site, preschool, recycling center, and more at a recent board of commissioners meeting.
The staff report explained county conditions that require a multi-purpose, community-oriented space with sustainability enhancements and solar resiliency in case of emergency:
“Hood River County is susceptible to an array of hazards including fires, ice storms, earthquakes, high temperatures, and high winds that are increasing in frequency and severity. These events commonly correspond with power outages, which amplify threats to health, safety, and other essential services by disrupting community lifelines.”
Mt. Hood Town Hall Association is the nonprofit that operates the community center and leases the building from the county. Their mission is to “create and maintain a thriving community center while preserving the historic Mt. Hood Town Hall.” Solar installation and power storage will allow the community center to better maintain a reliable, resilient community space.
The state grant from the DOE is for $972,933 with a project timeline running from December 2024–December 2028. Plans in the Mt Hood Town Hall Final Feasibility Report outline “a solar plus battery storage microgrid that will backup critical loads during a grid outage and provide photovoltaic power to the facility on a regular basis.”
Coordination will be required from utility services with Hood River Electric Co-op, as MHTHA must apply for an exception to the 25 kW metering limit. Staff also mentioned it is important to get public input throughout the process to best meet community needs.
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