Florida to receive $168M to go green
Florida will receive $168 million in federal stimulus money to pay for projects that reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The money is being made available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which was signed into law in 2007. However, the program was not funded until the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law.
The money will be allocated through grants to 17 counties, $74 million; 69 cities, $64 million; two tribal governments, $243,000; and the governor’s Energy Office, $30 million.
“These funds represent a remarkable opportunity to invest in the cheapest, cleanest and fastest energy solution – energy efficiency,” Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday in announcing the grants. “I encourage Florida’s local governments to utilize these funds in support of projects that will save tax dollars, strengthen our state’s economy and create jobs.”
In addition, the Energy Office will distribute $18 million in sub-grants – 60 percent of its federal allocation to smaller cities and counties that are ineligible for direct formula grants.