Arizona utilities are using a grant program to give $125,000 in economic development grants to help three Northern Arizona communities as the companies move away from coal-fired power plants.

The Utilities’ Grant Funding Program, funded jointly by Arizona Public Service Co., Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power, is designed to help fund programs aimed at economic development for those communities affected by the change.

The town of Eagar received grants for two initiatives, according to a press release. The first $25,000 grant will support the town’s ongoing grant writing efforts, which have resulted in six applications completed this year. The second $25,000 grant will support a collaboration with the U.S. Economic Development Administration to expand utilities and infrastructure at the industrial park located on the town’s west side, an effort designed to enhance the park’s attractiveness to potential tenants.

The city of Page also will receive dual grants. The first $25,000 will support the city’s application for U.S. Economic Development Administration disaster relief grant funds for the town’s Downtown Business Development Project. The second grant, also for $25,000, will help pay for more than a fifth of the cost to develop long-range transportation plan studies. This will facilitate the inclusion of projects in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s state transportation plan for consideration of state and federal funding assistance.

The city of St. Johns will receive $25,000 to help cover the cost of hiring a consultant to develop a plan for road resurfacing, widening and realignment to improve traffic flow and safety. The plan can then be used to acquire additional funding for infrastructure improvements.

APS, SRP and TEP pledged a combined $1 million in awards available through the Utilities’ Grant Funding Program. Tribal, state, and local governments, public schools, economic development groups and nonprofit groups within 75 miles of a closing or closed coal plant are eligible to apply. More details about submission eligibility and requirements are available here.

The utilities have funded five rounds of grants since the program’s inception in 2023. The sixth grant application cycle is now open. Applications are due by Dec. 15. APS’ and TEP’s contributions to the Utilities Grants Funding Program are not recovered through customer rates.