Governor Paterson Announces $24 Million in Stimulus Funding for Clean Energy Projects in Small Municipalities

ALBANY, NY (03/24/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today announced that $24 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding has been awarded to 206 energy conservation projects. These energy efficiency and renewable energy projects will help 137 municipalities throughout the State reduce energy and operating costs by $3.3 million annually and fully return the initial investment in less than nine years.

"These funds will provide our cities, towns and villages with critical resources needed to make long-term investments that will reduce energy costs and save taxpayer money," Governor Paterson said. "These projects will build on our efforts to invest in clean energy initiatives that will help put New Yorkers back to work, reduce our impact on the environment and cut local government costs. I applaud President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, energy independence and strong environmental stewardship."

The projects were competitively selected through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program and are projects that municipalities have identified as local priorities to reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency in buildings, transportation systems, waste management practices, and other operations.

These funds will benefit a variety of facilities, including fire stations, libraries, town halls, wastewater treatment plants, and others. Measures funded include installation of lighting, heating, and cooling systems and controls to increase efficiency; building envelope improvements; renewable energy measures including photovoltaic systems, high efficiency biomass boilers, solar thermal systems, and small wind generators; and recycling programs.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Francis J. Murray said: "The federal stimulus program is providing greatly-needed funding to help local governments reduce their energy costs while helping New York State reduce its overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas pollution. The clean energy measures this funding supports will create jobs and help meet Governor David A. Paterson's ambitious clean energy goals. NYSERDA looks forward to working with the award recipients to help them achieve the greatest savings possible."

The following table shows the distribution of funds by region:

NYSERDA received more than 420 proposals that were evaluated on a competitive basis. Primary selection criteria included technical viability, cost-effectiveness, demonstration of compliance with program requirements, and cost sharing. Each awardee must still successfully enter into contract and meet all ARRA requirements prior to funding being released.

Through these awards, New York continues to invest in a clean energy economy and work toward achieving Governor Paterson's goal of meeting 45 percent of the State's energy needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy by 2015. Governor Paterson's '45 by 15' program is one of the nation's most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. It is conservatively estimated that this program will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.

A detailed table of the energy efficiency and renewable energy projects awarded can be found at: http://www.nyserda.org/pdfs/ARRAEECBG.pdf.

New York State Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Plan can be found at: http://www.nyserda.org/pdfs/NYS%20EECBG%20Plan-%206-09-rev2.pdfhttp://www.nyserda.org/pdfs/ARRAEECBG.pdf.

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The following quotes were provided in support of stimulus funding for clean energy projects:

Senator Charles E. Schumer said: "The Economic Recovery Act was designed to put people back to work and these funds will do just that. These resources will help communities across the state invest in clean energy so that our country is less dependent on foreign oil and more ready to create clean energy right here at home. Investments like these will provide jobs for people who are looking and make long-term improvements to New York's infrastructure."

Congressman Brian Higgins said: "With these Recovery Act funds, our Western New York taxpayers will be able to see savings in their pocketbooks, jobs for their neighbors, and long-term, clean energy investments for their community."

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: "In these tough economic times it is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect and create jobs. These grants are helping local governments do just that through upgrades to the fire houses, libraries, community centers, town halls and other facilities that are of critically important to our communities."

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said: "I am pleased that Governor Paterson has certified $24 million for energy projects in New York State. I am particularly pleased that almost $1 million of this funding will go to my Congressional District for the villages of East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Mineola, and Stewart Manor to improve their energy efficiency. These investments will also save the taxpayer money, which is vital in this economy. Also, improving the energy efficiency of our Villages and Towns is good for the environment and good for national security. The funding is another example of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at work, improving Long Island's infrastructure and getting Americans back to work."

Congressman Paul Tonko said: "These Recovery Act funds will make a critical difference in our small local communities that are hurting for funds to upgrade facilities and become more energy efficient. These projects will put people to work, they will reduce energy costs, and they will save taxpayer dollars. It will also be another step on the road to energy independence – each project that improves energy efficiency means less of a reliance on imported fossil fuels. I want to thank Governor Paterson and NYSERDA for helping invest in our clean energy future."

Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson said: "New York works best when New Yorkers are working. These federal stimulus grants will provide municipalities with the necessary funding to increase energy efficiency in their public facilities and create 'green jobs.' I applaud President Obama, Governor Paterson and our Congressional Delegation for securing this funding for New York State."

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, said: "Investments in efficiency, conservation and alternative energy offer the clearest path to our economic security and energy independence. Making these funds available to small municipalities will allow them to invest in common sense and cost effective measures that will provide immediate and permanent savings to taxpayers through a reduction in energy costs. Governor Paterson is proving once again that New York is the leader in energy efficiency in the twenty-first century."

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