City wins statewide award for solar at wastewater plant

The City of Hollister has won a statewide award for the
development of the solar power plant at the wastewater treatment
facility, according to an announcement from the League of
California Cities.
The City of Hollister has won a statewide award for the development of the solar power plant at the wastewater treatment facility, according to an announcement from the League of California Cities.

The League of California Cities selected the city as a 2011 Helen Putnam Award winner. Such winners were honored during the league’s annual conference Sept. 21 to Sept. 23 in San Francisco.

According to the announcement:

The city of Hollister won an award in the category of Planning & Environmental Quality for its Hollister Solar Power Plant. The city of Hollister partnered with ClearSpot Energy Inc. to build a one megawatt solar power plant at the city’s new wastewater treatment plant. Under a power purchase agreement, the city anticipates millions of dollars in savings and makes a valuable contribution to the environment for future generations.

Established in 1982, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding cities that deliver the highest quality and level of service in the most effective manner possible. Particular attention and credit is given to applications specifically advancing the League’s strategic priorities (www.cacities.org/priorities), which are determined each year by the board of directors.

The award is given annually in 11 categories: Effective Advocacy, Intergovernmental Relations and Regional Cooperation; Housing Programs and Innovations; Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics and Community Involvement; Health and Wellness Programs; Planning and Environmental Quality; Community Services and Economic Development; Internal Administration; Public Safety; Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation; the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government and the League Partners Award for Excellence in City-Business Relations. Of the 117 nominations submitted in 2011, 12 cities were honored with awards.

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.