The city has decided to apply for $50,000 in federal stimulus funds that are meant to help cities and counties become more energy efficient.
“You can spend lots of money on energy efficiency,” said City Manager Bernie Satterwhite. “We’re just kind of putting together a list of things that may qualify.”
The money is available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The State Energy Conservation Office is responsible for deciding what Texas cities are eligible, and how much to give them.
Local governments are supposed to use the money to reduce fuel emissions and cut total energy use by becoming more energy efficient.
For example, cities could use these funds for promoting recycling, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and installing renewable energy technologies in government buildings. Cities can also use the money to purchase energy efficient heating and AC systems, and traffic signals and street lights that use less energy.
Satterwhite said the city decreased its energy consumption by 30 percent about five years ago to meet a previous government mandate. For example, city hall already uses energy efficient lights and an efficient AC and heating system. But there is a lot more the city can do to conserve energy, he said.
“I don’t know how far $50,000 goes,” Satterwhite said. “We definitely will apply for it, because I think there are applications out there for us.”
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