The second of three American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) solar projects in the Colorado River District was completed last week.

 

“We are really excited to have this ARRA solar project completed,” said District Manager Angie Lara. “It was a great project and will be the first use of renewable energy at the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA).”

Construction of the La Posa LTVA $150,000 ARRA project began on April 20, 2010, by contractor Architectural & Environmental Associates, Inc. from Flagstaff, Arizona. Owner Carl Ramsey said six employees worked on this project, with three employees completing the project work on the ground. “I enjoy working for the government,” said Ramsey. “I would be very excited to do more jobs for the government.”

 

When asked if he employed any youth on this project, Ramsey said that unfortunately he didn’t. “Our future is clean energy and the youth of this nation are really excited about green jobs. Youth just instinctively know this and want to get on board,” Ramsey said. He stated that he gets calls from people all over the world interested in working on green jobs.

 

The solar project consisted of constructing four solar stations at each of the LTVA contact stations. “This project will significantly enhance safety and security for the visiting public and will notably decrease the dependency of this site on the electric grid,” stated Todd Shoaff, Yuma Field Manager. “The La Posa LTVA provides long-term camping opportunities for approximately 180,000 people each winter. It is the hub for visitors from all over the United States and Canada to camp during the mild winter months.”

 

The La Posa LTVA is located approximately 5 miles south of Quartzsite, Arizona, right off Highway 95.