Micron funds geothermal heat for Lusk District housing project

BOISE, Idaho, Micron Technology announced on Monday that it is providing a $2.5 million gift to the Lusk Housing District. The funding will support the installation of geothermal heating systems for more than 300 new affordable homes in the Lusk District.

City officials and developers stated that this project marks the first instance of a U.S. city utilizing geothermal heat within a multifamily affordable housing district. The Lusk District redevelopment plans were updated to include the renewable energy infrastructure following the announcement.

Mayor Lauren McLean said the investment demonstrates the city's commitment to building homes that residents can afford. "Thanks to Micron's investment, we are one step closer to bringing clean geothermal heat to hundreds of affordable homes in Boise," McLean said.

The project builds on earlier funding received this year. In March, the initiative secured a $1 million grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge to expand Boise's existing geothermal system.

Jake Wood, managing director of affordable housing development at J. Fisher Companies, noted in a Tuesday press release that Boise is leading on clean heat adoption. "No other U.S. city has tried this, and we're proud to build it alongside a city willing to go first and partners like Micron willing to back it," Wood said.

April Arnzen, executive vice president and president of the Micron Foundation, said the investment reflects Micron's 48-year presence in Boise. "This is an opportunity to build homes that working families can afford, and the Lusk Housing District will add more than 300 of them," Arnzen said. Groundbreaking for the project is expected next spring.