The Department of Energy is awarding Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Funds for state and local government distribution as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009. Many larger local governments (cities over 35,000 and counties over 200,000 in population) have completed their Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy and have received their awards.

The Florida State Energy Office will distribute $18.6 million in sub-grants, 60 percent of its federal allocation, as directed by federal authorizing legislation to smaller cities and counties that are ineligible for direct formula grants. Each state decides how to award these sub-grants; Florida has indicated that of the $18.6 million, $12.4 million is available to all eligible local governments with a maximum award of $1.24 million to a single government entity. Local governments may partner with other local governments and be eligible for an award of up to $4 million. An additional $6.2 million will be awarded to the smaller counties (<50,000 pop.) and cities (<15,000 pop.) with the maximum award being $250,000.

The State Energy Office has released the draft application and details of the program. The State agency has announced it is looking for programs that emphasize regional collaboration and innovative community activities. It is anticipated that the State Energy Office will call for applications in November 2009. It will be imperative for your local government to have your Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) in place in order to apply for the funds immediately upon release by the Department of Energy as these grants are on a first come basis.

WilsonMiller and Dr. Jennifer Languell with Trifecta have teamed to provide you with the most expertise in sustainability in the industry. We can assist your organization in preparing a “comprehensive sustainability plan” that meets the goals and objectives of the EECBG Program, including identify key projects to include in your strategy. More specifically, we will assist you in obtaining the grant money.
The money can be used for:

• Building retrofits, energy education outreach, solar outdoor lighting, and PV emergency back up power on existing structures or with existing facilities
• Retrofits for existing industrial buildings and facilities such as energy efficient lighting controls/sensors, chillers, furnaces, boilers, heat recovery
• Development and implementation of an energy efficiency strategy
• Retaining technical consultant services to assist the eligible entity in the development of such policies and programs
• Residential and commercial building energy audits
• Development and implementation of energy efficiency programs for buildings and facilities
• Development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation
• Replacement of traffic signals

Since this money will be granted on a competitive basis, timely and correct completion of the application will be imperative. Click here to download a copy of the application guidelines.

Contact Cherie Akers or Dr. Jennifer Languell so we may begin the grant application process and program development for you.