The Community and Development Corporation is hard at work seeking different opportunities and coordinating more outreach for community involvement. A survey will be released this month to get feedback on the community’s feelings towards solar energy, input on loan opportunities and more. The board encourages everyone in the community to participate as we are here to help develop the community and we cannot do that without your input. Our previous survey is still active and posted on our website as we want as much information as we can receive about our tribal members and their professional interests.
The CDC webpage is revamped and includes more information on the current solar projects that the board has been working on for the past few years. What started as a feasibility study grant, led to the process of RFP’s for all three tribal sites in Mashpee – Community & Government Center, Maushop Farm, and First Light Homes housing. You can find the Feasibility study conducted by Self Reliance on the website, as well as timeline and presentation.
The immediate goal for solar is to create enough energy for all tribal operations to sustain off. Solar is a small start to the vision of a tribal utility company that will expand further then solar energy with assets to provide energy and energy resiliency services. The board is currently working on applying for a grant to help us construct the project therefore we can begin the project as a joint venture with one of our proponents rather than lease agreements.
The Semi-Annual Shareholder Representative meeting is due to take place in March as Council has voted to agree to CDC Resolution that solidifies March and September as Semi-Annual Meeting times as per CDC Ordinance. Once a date is determined by MWT Chairman Weeden, the community will be notified in advance. A budget has been prepared and submitted to council in January. The March Meeting will hold the vote on such CDC budget.
If any tribal citizen has and questions on input on economic development, outreach opportunities, or general questions; please do not hesitate to reach out to any Board Director. You can find our contact information on the website. https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/cdc
Be well and Stay safe!
Talia Landry, CDC President
