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Budget information
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Budget
| Total Allocation for Athens-Clarke County (based on direct formula grants) |
$1,137,100 |
FUNDING SOURCE: 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through U.S. Department of Energy
HISTORY
- The application deadline was June 25 but was extended to August 10. However, on June 17, Unified Government staff submitted an application that requested $123,500 to complete the required Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy and one shovel-ready project.
- This project will replace 21 warning light assemblies with solar/battery powered LED assemblies at nine elementary schools. These assemblies are on rights-of-way owned and maintained by the Unified Government.
- This "test," shovel-ready project will allow staff to quickly implement a highly visible project in well-traveled areas and will provide staff with some experience managing the grant. Once the initial allocation is received, perhaps in August, staff will have 120 days to complete the strategy and apply for the remaining funds.
FACTS & ISSUES
- The purpose of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in creating and implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, and to the maximum extent practicable, maximize benefits to local and regional communities; reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and improve energy efficiency in the building sector, the transportation sector, and other appropriate sectors.
- All entities receiving direct formula grants from the DOE are required to submit a proposed strategy for approval. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is planning to retain technical consultant services to develop an energy efficiency and conservation strategy.
- The Department of Energy notified staff that the department will only award the requested funds to complete the strategy. Proposed projects will be considered after the strategy is approved. Staff received the award notification on November 4. Staff has 120 days to complete the strategy. Dr. Tom Lawrence with UGA is preparing the required greenhouse gases baseline and will assist with the strategy development and the analysis of potential projects.
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