Energy upgrades will save cities money
Published on Wed, Dec 2, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
Seven local communities have received a total of $461,194 in federal stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The cities receiving funding for efficiency projects are Arlington, Granite Falls, Mill Creek, Marysville, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace and Snohomish.
Arlington's project, estimated at $135,000, will include energy-efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades to city buildings. Marysville will receive $46,042 for retrofits of traffic signals and street lighting.
The federal ARRA funding is intended to assist cities with populations of less than 35,000 to improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions in their communities. The program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.
"This funding is a huge win for Washington state," said Governor Christine Gregoire. "It puts people to work while advancing our state's environmental goals. These projects will ensure energy efficiency, which will lead to large cost savings for our smaller communities."
In all, the projects are expected to result in energy savings of nearly 500,000 kilowatt-hours per year, a reduction of about 140,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Snohomish County PUD, which will partner with the cities to implement the programs, has a history of working with residents and businesses on energy efficiency measures. Since the early 1980s, its programs have resulted in more than 90 average-megawatts of energy savings, enough energy for nearly 70,000 homes. In 2008 it exceeded its conservation goal by 11 percent, saving customers nearly $4.5 million in energy bills.
Arlington's project, estimated at $135,000, will include energy-efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades to city buildings. Marysville will receive $46,042 for retrofits of traffic signals and street lighting.
The federal ARRA funding is intended to assist cities with populations of less than 35,000 to improve energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions in their communities. The program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.
"This funding is a huge win for Washington state," said Governor Christine Gregoire. "It puts people to work while advancing our state's environmental goals. These projects will ensure energy efficiency, which will lead to large cost savings for our smaller communities."
In all, the projects are expected to result in energy savings of nearly 500,000 kilowatt-hours per year, a reduction of about 140,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Snohomish County PUD, which will partner with the cities to implement the programs, has a history of working with residents and businesses on energy efficiency measures. Since the early 1980s, its programs have resulted in more than 90 average-megawatts of energy savings, enough energy for nearly 70,000 homes. In 2008 it exceeded its conservation goal by 11 percent, saving customers nearly $4.5 million in energy bills.
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