Federal grant funding secured for Bethlehem solar array May 12, 2021BETHLEHEM — The Bethlehem Energy Commission is preparing to seek voter approval in July after successfully securing a $165,000 USDA Rural Development Grant for a municipal solar array. The $472,000 project is expected to occur in phases spanning three years. It would provide electricity to multiple town buildings, including Town Hall, the public library and the town's highway department. If Bethlehem taxpayers approve the request to reserve funds on July 13, the project would occur in phases and span approximately three years. According to the warrant article, the net electric savings are estimated to be $21,957 per year at first, then increasing to $30,377.