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Saco board members report D.C. advocacy to preserve $1 million geothermal tax credit for new school
Summary
School Board Member Kevin Roach and district leaders told the board they pressed congressional offices in Washington to protect a $1 million tax credit tied to geothermal work in the district's new-school construction; district officials say the credit could yield about $300,000 in annual savings and that timing of the work is important for eligibility.
School Board Member Kevin Roach reported to the board that he and district staff traveled to Washington, D.C., to press congressional offices to preserve a $1,000,000 tax credit the district hopes to use for geothermal work at the new school.
Roach told the board the credit is embedded in the Inflation Reduction Act and “is at risk” as congressional budget and reconciliation work continues. He said the district met with staff from Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree and that staff appeared supportive but could not promise the outcome until federal reconciliation work settles later in the year. “A little over a three‑year payback is worth it to send Jeremy and I down there to fight for that,” Roach said.
Superintendent Ray framed the geothermal element as part of a broader energy and sustainability package for the new school, saying geothermal plus solar would reduce operating costs and provide heating and cooling for pre-K through grade 5. District officials told the board that the geothermal work, if realized, is projected to save roughly $300,000 a year in energy costs, which the district presented as a multi‑year capital investment with a return in operations.
District leaders urged that construction sequence and contract timing preserve the district’s eligibility for any federal credits or grandfathering provisions; in public comments at the meeting they emphasized the need to start geothermal well work in calendar year 2025 if possible to protect that eligibility.
The board did not take a vote on the matter at this meeting. Officials said they will continue advocacy with congressional offices and will report back as federal negotiations become clearer.
