Virginia Danfelt is the new Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) coordinator. Along with handling administrative details and helping coordinate numerous CCLEP initiatives, she will help promote a county energy efficiency and renewable energy plan being developed with support from the county and the City of Grand Marais. Her position is half-time for now but will expand to full-time as funding allows. CCLEP, a nonprofit, was formed almost four years ago.
Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) received funding last fall for a part-time coordinator position for 2012. Virginia Danfelt was hired for this half-time position to handle administrative duties of the almost four-year-old nonprofit and assist the board in advancing their goals.
CCLEP originally was formed as a citizen’s group to coordinate a local response to the worldwide transition away from fossil-fuel-based energy sources. They work for energy efficiency and clean, local, renewable energy development in Cook County.
Danfelt brings over 20 years experience building energyefficient timber frame structures as part owner of her family business, Lake Superior Timber Framing, where she continues to work. She has resided in Cook County since the late 1970s and is familiar with the local community. She is enthused about the variety of work involved in the coordinator job and the opportunity to work with both the board and community to advance energy awareness and solutions.
One current CCLEP project, which has been over a year in the making, is a comprehensive Energy Plan for both the City of Grand Marais and Cook County. This plan is being reviewed by local officials and will be open to public review and input next month. Carrying out aspects of this plan with the CCLEP board will be one of the main focuses of the job.
Funding for the yearlong coordinator position was made possible by grants from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, the Lutheran Community Foundation, the City of Grand Marais and Cook County. For more information visit the website: www.cookcountylep.org.
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