New York Gov. David A. Paterson announced that $24 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been awarded to 206 energy conservation projects. These energy efficiency and renewable energy projects will help 137 municipalities throughout the state of New York reduce energy and operating costs by $3.3 million annually and fully return the initial investment in less than nine years.
“These funds will provide our cities, towns and villages with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce energy costs and save taxpayer money,” Paterson said. “These projects will build on our efforts to invest in clean energy initiatives that will help put New Yorkers back to work, reduce our impact on the environment and cut local government costs. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship.”
The projects were competitively selected through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and are projects that municipalities have identified as local priorities to reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency in buildings, transportation systems, waste management practices and other operations.
These funds will benefit a variety of facilities, including fire stations, libraries, town halls, wastewater treatment plants and others.
“The federal stimulus program is providing greatly-needed funding to help local governments reduce their energy costs while helping New York state reduce its overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas pollution,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Francis J. Murray. "The clean energy measures this funding supports will create jobs and help meet Governor David A. Paterson’s ambitious clean energy goals. NYSERDA looks forward to working with the award recipients to help them achieve the greatest savings possible.”
Source: ny.gov
