ALMANAC
Country takes a shine to Solar Roadways
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Courtesy Scott Brusaw
ven on the darkest of wintry days in northern Idaho, Solar Roadways cofounders Scott and Julie Brusaw of Sagle are thinking “sun.” That’s because these local entrepreneurs are busy figuring out how to turn their innovative idea of solar-powered roads into a reality. And this past summer, their company’s efforts were re-charged with a $750,000 federal grant to create a prototype of sorts – a solarpowered parking lot. The Brusaws say their ultimate goal is to replace the country’s asphalt surfaces with energy-producing, 12-foot-by-12-foot solar paneled roadways – a lofty idea, for sure, but one that’s receiving national and international interest from publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Wired Magazine, Popular Science and Smithsonian.com, among others. “It’s been fun,” said Scott Brusaw of the experience. “And the amazing thing is we have people from all over the world wanting to volunteer and be a part of it.” He cites a group of students who have
already helped out with the website, www. SolarRoadways.com, and a professor who aims to take on the traction-testing component of the project. For now, it’s just Scott and Julie and a couple of part-time engineers who are working on putting the solar parking lot in place at their testing grounds in Sagle; from there, they expect to do about a year’s worth of testing. Scott estimates the company is about two years away from manufacturing. “If we get a green light, it will really create a lot of jobs in the area,” said Scott, who plans to put Solar Roadways’ headquarters in either Sagle or Sandpoint. Optimism runs high for Brusaw’s plan, as evidenced by the many requests he receives to personally address federal and state transportation agencies. Among the many questions and inquiries he has fielded, Scott was quizzed by a group of Idaho engineers who are interested in retrofitting the solar panels into the state’s roadside rest stops. Indeed, the sky truly is the limit! – Beth Hawkins
USA Today declares Sandpoint ‘Most Beautiful Small Town’
W
hile accolades from national press
contest. The couple who visited and judged
of what’s there and really appreciates where
are nothing new for Sandpoint,
Sandpoint, Daniel and JoAnne Schaub
they live.”
the announcement in July 2011 that Rand
(“The McNavigators”) of Cary, N.C., thought
McNally and USA Today named Sandpoint
Sandpoint stood out because of its location
one of the five best small towns in the nation
on pristine Lake Pend Oreille in the Idaho
were mesmerized by the expansive views. They
seemed to resonate more than most. Why?
Panhandle.
also took a trail ride at Western Pleasure Guest
Because it lauded the attribute that everyone agrees on: Sandpoint is beautiful. Five teams of travelers scoured the nation for three weeks in the Best of the Road 10
SANDPOINT MAGAZINE
001-030_SMW12.indd 10
“We could actually see ourselves living there,” JoAnne said. “You have the mountains
The couple stayed at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, where they took a chairlift ride and
Ranch, went on an aerial tour with SilverWing Flight Services, tasted wine at Pend d’Oreille
and the lake, and it feels like you have a
Winery, dined at Trinity at City Beach, and
connected community that takes advantage
toured with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises.
WINTER 2012
10/10/11 2:50 PM