Oct. 7--NEOSHO, Mo. -- A measure that could benefit the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology Center at Crowder College has cleared a hurdle in Congress with the help of U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.

A conference report by the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, including $1.5 million for the MARET Center, was adopted last week by the U.S. House. Blunt was a key advocate of the measure funding the center.

"Reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy and improving the quality of our air are goals that can be mutually achieved," Blunt said in a news release announcing passage of the measure.

Crowder College President Alan Marble said Tuesday that the college was grateful for Blunt's help and his longtime support of alternative energy projects at Crowder.

Marble said the total price tag for the planned MARET Center is $13 million. The project will be accomplished in two phases.

"It's designed to be the showcase for our alternative and renewable energy program," Marble said. "It will be energy positive. It will generate more energy than it uses."

He said the building will incorporate a wind turbine and a solar array to power the building. With a net metering law approved by the Missouri Legislature, it will allow the college to store credits in the electricity grid.

"The good thing about this appropriation is it helps us to raise private money," Marble said. "We'll use this with other potential donors to encourage future donations."

Marble said he realizes that the measure still must be approved by the Senate and signed by the president.

"We never count our chickens before they hatch, but we are very hopeful," Marble said.

Another project

The energy and water appropriations conference report approved by the U.S. House also includes $700,000 for a compressed natural gas fueling station to be used by the city of Springfield.

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