The Yakama Nation will receive $4.9 million from the state Department of Commerce to advance several clean energy projects. 

The tribe was the largest recipient of funds and had the most projects in the slate of 22 projects receiving a total of $16.8 million, according to a release.  

“Under their sovereign authority, tribal nations are shaping their own energy future,” said Commerce Interim Director Sarah Clifthorne in a statement. “These investments support projects that tribes have identified as priorities, strengthening community facilities, lowering energy costs and building long-term resilience.” 

The funds come from four different state programs aimed at promoting energy independence and resilience in tribal communities. Two of the Yakama Nation’s agencies – Yakama Power and Yakama Nation Housing Authority – received funds from the Clean Energy Siting and Permitting program and the Tribal Clean Energy Grants program. 

The projects include: 

• $399,872 for the Advanced Rail Energy Storage Project and transmission siting and pre-development surveys to advance renewable energy development within the Yakama Nation reservation. 
• $1,802,145 for the Pahto Village Solar Project to install 270 kW DC of solar capacity with a mix of rooftop and carport installations at the Pahto Village housing site in Wapato on the Yakama Nation Reservation. 
• $2,481,848 to install approximately 1.46 megawatts (MW) of direct current (DC) solar generation on the Yakama Reservation as part of Yakama Nation's larger solar-over-canal projects. 
• $199,368 to support feasibility studies and initial planning for two Yakama Nation clean energy projects, including a solar and storage project and a clean energy industrial park on the Yakama Nation Reservation.