When the Federal stimulus dollars were handed out for last year, the National Park Service got almost $750 million in funds to maintain and repair the budget-battered parks across the country.
Unbelievably, when the projects were finished they found that many bids had come in under budget, and they had over $100 million left over.
In the case of Alcatraz, this launched the phased retirement of two old and inefficient diesel generators -- you'll recognize the truck-stop smell they produce, not to mention the particulates in the exhaust. They cost Alcatraz $700,000 a year in fuel and maintenance.
The National Park Service has announced they'll use some of that leftover money to fund the addition of about 1,360 solar panels to the main prison and laundry building on Alcatraz this spring. That's enough panels to provide 40 to 60 percent of the island's electricity, and launch the process of phasing out the smelly generators.
In addition to more solar panels, the Park Service is considering re-installing a power cable under the Bay to serve the island from the mainland power grid. This would lead to the immediate decommissioning of the diesel generators.
Of course, if you're a fan of smelly diesel generators you need to plan your visit now. Once they're gone, a piece of The Rock's history is gone forever!
Copyright (c) 2010, OurAlcatraz.com. All Rights Reserved.
