Tucson lawmaker leading fact-finding trip to Nevada solar plant today, holds Congress on Your Corner in Vail on Saturday
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords caps a busy weekend on Sunday with a speech marking Israel's 60th year of independence.
Giffords will speak at approximately 5 p.m. at the Israel Festival taking place at Tucson's Jewish Community Center. Giffords is an honorary co-chairwoman of the event.
Today, Giffords is leading a solar fact-finding trip to Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base, home of North America's largest operational solar photovoltaic system.
The $100 million, 14 megawatt solar plant was inaugurated in December 2007. It will supply more than a quarter of the total electricity used at the base, save about $1 million annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 24,000 tons. Giffords, a member of the House Science and Technology Committee, wants to explore how to replicate the plant at Tucson's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Joining Giffords on the nine-hour trip is Mayor Bob Walkup of Tucson, Kris Mayes of the Arizona Corporation Commission, Steve Lynn of Tucson Electric Power, and Col. Kent Laughbaum, commander of D-M's 355th Fighter Wing.
Media interested in speaking with Giffords upon the delegation's return to Tucson, at 6:35 p.m. today, should contact C.J. Karamargin.
On Saturday in Vail, Giffords will host her thirteenth "Congress on Your Corner." The two-hour event is an opportunity for residents of Southeastern Arizona's 8th Congressional District to meet their congresswoman one-on-one and discuss any issue, concern or problem involving the federal government. Giffords' staff will be on hand to assist constituents.
Previous "Congress on Your Corner" events in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, Sierra Vista, and Douglas have each attracted between 75 and 150 people.
WHAT: "Congress on Your Corner"
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 5
WHERE: Safeway, 9050 E. Valencia Road (just west of Houghton and Valencia at Rita Ranch
WHAT: Speech at the Israel Festival
WHEN: 5 p.m., Sunday, April 6
WHERE: Jewish Community Center, 3822 E. River Road