FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. -- Representatives from the Department of the Army, U.S. Rep. Sam Farr's district office, Fort Hunter Liggett and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District broke ground a one-megawatt solar array in a ceremony here April 8.

Once completed, in approximately three years, the array will provide roughly 30 percent of Fort Hunter Liggett's energy needs. The array is the first of three planned for Hunter Liggett, which will provide for all the post's energy needs when complete.

The Sacramento District is managing the project.

Tad Davis, chief of staff of the U.S. Army Reserve, said that this project provides support for the Army Reserve's "triple bottom line" of mission, energy efficiency and provision of economic benefits to the community. He applauded Fort Hunter Liggett for building a green, sustainable installation.

Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment, described the project as "what happens when government agencies work together to do the job right." Hammack said that this project was a start in her goal for every Army installation to become "net zero - don't consume more than you produce," and thanked the Sacramento District for "bringing technology and making it happen."

"The Corps of Engineers is committed to renewable energy projects," said Sacramento District commander Lt. Col. Andy Kiger. "And with partners like these good folks at Fort Hunter Liggett, we will transform military installations around this country into energy-independent facilities."