The La Plata Electric Board of Directors has awarded $33,656 in special project grants to local non-profit entities to make use of unclaimed capital credits from former co-op members. Awards are:
. $10,000 to Manna Soup Kitchen in Durango to support their capital campaign to build space for a planned culinary arts training program.
. $8,656 to the Durango Adult Education Center for technology upgrades.
. $5,000 to Los Campaneros Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center for program support.
. $10,000 to the Pagosa Medical Center to help buy a four-wheel drive ambulance for Archuleta County.
Capital credits are money left after all co-op expenses have been paid. Customer payments above the cost to provide electric service go into a patronage capital account in each member's name. When the co-op is able, the credits are returned to members. They become unclaimed if LPEA can't find those members.
The LPEA board determined that unclaimed funds should be invested in the community, so they established the Educational/ Special Grants program.
LPEA is celebrating its 75th year this year.
