The Times Free Press reported last week that the city of Chattanooga will receive $1.8 Million in stimulus funds allocated for energy and conservation programs. Use of the funds is outlined in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and can cover anything from consultants to building codes to street lighting. The recently adopted Chattanooga Climate Action Plan offers some insight as to how the money could be used here, and we spoke with Brad McAllister of the Chattanooga Green Committee to learn more.
According to Mr. McAllister, several projects have already been identified that may meet the requirements for these stimulus funds. In fact, a team of EPB and TVA energy auditors are scheduled to begin work on comprehensive energy audits of city buildings today. They will be looking at which buildings are the least energy-efficient as well as where retrofitting could provide the most substantial gains. Ultimately, the committee hopes to see city buildings retrofitted to meet LEED standards. Additional projects on deck include retrofitting streetlights with LED lamps, installing nearly 150 solar panels in local greenways and parks, and reevaluating and updating city building codes to promote greater energy efficiency. Making the most of these grants will be crucial, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides guidelines for the allocation of funds. The ARRA prioritizes creating or saving jobs first and foremost, with long term energy savings, cost savings, use of emerging technology and air quality improvements rounding out the list. The Green Committee is also considering other priorities which include savings to taxpayers, community education and opportunities to leverage other federal, state or local funding opportunities. McAllister noted that more grants will be announced soon:
Fortunately, competitive grants will soon follow the announcement of the formula grants. This will give us further opportunity to fund the projects above. We will closely watch these competitive grants and work with the correct entities to assure that Chattanooga is best positioned to secure further funding.
Chattarati will continue to follow announcements regarding the stimulus plan as they occur, as well as how these projects impact the local economy.
John Hawbaker
Brad on April 1, 2009
Thanks for the coverage. One slight clarification. The stimulus funds are not funding the energy audits. EPB provides this service to their customers. The service applies to both residential and business customers. Give EPB a call and set up a visit.
http://www.epb.net/index.php?page=business_energy_use&id=51
4 audits have been completed in the past 2 days. A fifth is very near completion. 2 more may be done by weeks end.