BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two local entities are going to receive up to $3 million for funding climate action projects in Bellingham.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) announced the funds for two projects: one for the City of Bellingham and the other for Opportunity Council.

Bellingham’s project will create a community solar array to reduce emissions.

NWCAA says the $1.7 million project will generate $69,000 per year in savings for the Climate Action Fund. Bellingham’s Climate Energy Manager Seth Vidaña adds the program’s revenue will support a variety of other projects for 20-plus years.

The remaining $1.303 million is going towards Opportunity Council’s partnership with Mercy Housing to add ductless heat pumps to Mercy’s Sterling Meadows complex in Bellingham.

Opportunity Council’s Mark Schofield says the ductless heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional heating equipment. Sterling Meadows specializes in housing farm workers and their families according to the NWCAA.

The funds come from a 2023 settlement with Petrogas West LLC after resolving multiple air quality issues tied to the Cherry Point refinery.