Contact: Lori Hamamoto/Peter Boylan 202-224-3934

MAUI TO RECEIVE $2.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR PARKING STRUCTURE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON --- Maui will receive $2.2 million for renewable energy initiatives and a new county parking structure, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

Maui County and the Maui Economic Development Board will receive grants totaling more than $2.2 million from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Maui County will receive $1.2 million for the design of a municipal parking structure in Wailuku. 

The new structure will support existing and new businesses in the area, while replacing the spaces lost during the severe storms in December 2007.  

The Maui Economic Development Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving a balanced economy, will receive $1,064,000 for the construction of a Renewable Energy Resource Center in Kihei. 

The center will support the development of renewable energy businesses that will take advantage of Hawaii’s unique access to wind, water, solar and geothermal resources. 

“Anyone who has been to Maui will tell you that parking is at a premium in Wailuku and the creation of more spaces will help businesses attract customers and residents get to where they need to go,” said Senator Inouye.  “The Renewable Energy Resource Center in Kihei will further the exploration of alternatives to imported oil and expand our renewable energy sector.”

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